Effect of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis biomarkers in epilepsy.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis biomarkers in epilepsy: a randomized controlled trial.

Sri Handayani, Zen Hafy, Fitri Octaviana, Zeinab Y Ali, Nita Parisa, Astri Budikayanti, Dessy Agustini, Radiyati Umi Partan

Med Glas (Zenica)

Feb 27, 2026

Sources

0:00 / 0:00

Sign in to access this feature

Create a free account or sign in to use AI summaries, listen to articles, download PDFs, and save to your library.

154 views

Abstract

AIM: To analyze the effect of vitamin D administration on serum 25(OH)D levels and biomarkers of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], adiponectin, homocysteine, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) in epilepsy patients receiving enzymatic antiseizure medications (ASMs). METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial randomized 40 adult epilepsy patients treated with enzymatic ASMs to receive vitamin D3 (2,000 IU/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. Secondary outcomes included changes in HOMA-IR, adiponectin, homocysteine, and hs-CRP. Data were analyzed using a per-protocol approach. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients completed the study. Vitamin D supplementation yielded a significantly greater increase in serum 25(OH)D (10.67± 8.16 vs.–1.29± 3.96 ng/mL; p< 0.001) and adiponectin (1.38± 3.05 vs. 0.34± 1.89µg/mL; p = 0.045), as well as a significantly greater reduction in hs-CRP (–6.74± 14.65 vs. 1.81± 7.75 mg/L; p = 0.041) compared with placebo. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between groups regarding the changes in HOMA-IR (–0.24± 3.71 vs.–0.14± 3.38; p = 0.940) or homocysteine (7.90± 1.79 vs. 8.15± 2.70µmol/L; p = 0.290). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation (2,000 IU/day) effectively restores 25(OH)D levels and improves adiponectin and hs-CRP in epilepsy patients on enzymatic ASMs, suggesting a potential benefit for cardiovascular risk reduction. However, vitamin D alone did not prevent the rise in homocysteine, likely due to the concurrent cessation of B-vitamin supplementation.