The Association Between Vitamin D and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Women: A Systematic Review.

2026-03-19
Nutrients 18(6)
- Batoul Jaafar
- Nour Chami
- Mohamad Tlais
- Maria Matar
- Nazih Obeid
- Nadia Taha
- Karim El Haddad
- Jessica Abou Chaaya
- Sami Azar

PubMed: 41901143
DOI: 10.3390/nu18060968

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Sample size: n = 1,063
Population: 1063 women with PCOS
Methods: Comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase in October 2025; studies published between January 2000 and October 2025; systematic review of observational studies and randomized controlled trials evaluating serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and/or effects of vitamin D supplementation

Rigorous Journal

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS and is linked to adverse metabolic and reproductive outcomes. However, the role of vitamin D supplementation in managing PCOS remains unclear due to the heterogeneous evidence available. This systematic review aimed to synthesize both observational and interventional studies to assess the association between vitamin D levels and PCOS, focusing on prevalence, metabolic outcomes, and reproductive parameters. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase was conducted in October 2025, identifying studies published between January 2000 and October 2025. Eligible studies included observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and/or the effects of vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS. Studies were included if they used recognized diagnostic criteria for PCOS or sufficient diagnostic details to confirm the condition. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and quality assessment according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Eleven studies (nine RCTs, two observational) encompassing 1063 women with PCOS met the inclusion criteria. Observational studies demonstrated inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), and leptin, but not with total testosterone. RCTs showed modest and inconsistent improvements in insulin sensitivity, with effects more apparent in some trials enrolling vitamin D-deficient women. Reproductive benefits (cycle regularity/ovulation) were observed only in selected trials, generally with small samples and short follow-up. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS and correlates with metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. While vitamin D supplementation shows variable effects, it should not be considered a stand-alone therapy for PCOS. Correction of deficiency may complement existing treatments, but evidence remains insufficient to support routine vitamin D supplementation for fertility outcomes in PCOS.

Research Insights

Vitamin D→Improved Cycle Regularity
Reproductive benefits (cycle regularity/ovulation) were observed only in selected trials, generally with small samples and short follow-up.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Improved Insulin Resistance
Observational studies demonstrated inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), and leptin, but not with total testosterone.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Improved Insulin Sensitivity
RCTs showed modest and inconsistent improvements in insulin sensitivity, with effects more apparent in some trials enrolling vitamin D-deficient women.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Improved Ovulation
Reproductive benefits (cycle regularity/ovulation) were observed only in selected trials, generally with small samples and short follow-up.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Reduced Body Mass Index
Observational studies demonstrated inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), and leptin, but not with total testosterone.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Reduced Total Testosterone Level
Observational studies demonstrated inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), and leptin, but not with total testosterone.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Reduced Uric Acid Levels
Observational studies demonstrated inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), and leptin, but not with total testosterone.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Vitamin D→Overall tolerability
Vitamin D supplementation shows variable effects, it should not be considered a stand-alone therapy for PCOS.
Finding
Reported