Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Obesity and Its Metabolic Complications A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.54.69947Keywords
vitamin D, vitamin D supplementation, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, obesity, overweight, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, body composition, adiposity, fat mass, waist circumference, vitamin D receptor, inflammation, brain energy metabolism, randomized controlled trial, meta-analysis, weight managementAbstract
Background.Obesity and metabolic syndrome are major contributors to global cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in individuals with obesity and has been implicated in adverse metabolic regulation. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in improving obesity-related outcomes remains inconsistent.
Aim.
The aim of this review was to assess current evidence regarding the effects of vitamin D supplementation on obesity and its metabolic complications.
Review methods
A narrative literature review was conducted using electronic searches of the PubMed database, supplemented by reports from the World Health Organization and other peer-reviewed sources. Preference was given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and high-quality observational studies published in English between 2010 and 2024.
Results.
Evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses consistently demonstrates that vitamin D supplementation increases serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in individuals with overweight and obesity. However, its effects on obesity-related metabolic outcomes remain limited and inconsistent. Most studies report no significant improvements in insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, blood pressure, or overall body weight. Some trials have observed modest reductions in body fat mass, body mass index, or waist circumference. Small improvements in selected lipid parameters and inflammatory biomarkers have also been reported, although these findings are not consistently replicated. Potential metabolic benefits appear more pronounced in individuals with baseline vitamin D deficiency.
Conclusions.
Current evidence does not support vitamin D supplementation as an effective standalone therapy for obesity or its major metabolic complications. Its clinical role appears primarily adjunctive, particularly in individuals with confirmed vitamin D deficiency.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natalia Paszke, Piotr Wiśniewski, Wiktor Buczko, Jan Gajewski, Grzegorz Machelski, Marzena Mędrek, Grzegorz Kuropatwa, Mariola Mika, Kacper Mąkosa
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