Vitamin D May Help Reduce Inflammation in Metabolic Syndrome New study published January 10, 2026 in Nutrients (open access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/2/224)
Researchers examined how vitamin D levels, diet, and low-grade inflammation connect in people with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a common condition involving belly fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol, and often insulin resistance which together increase risks for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
This observational study (no treatments given) included 141 adults (average age ~49, mostly women) with MetS.
Key findings:
- Higher inflammation (via blood test CRP) was tied to much lower vitamin D levels (~14 ng/mL vs. 22 ng/mL).
- Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL, very common) strongly predicted elevated inflammation (CRP) and ferritin (a marker that rises with inflammation here).
- Low vitamin D acted as a “bridge”: Poor intake of vitamin D led to deficiency, which then drove up inflammation.
- More frequent consumption of vitamin D-rich foods (milk, yogurt, fish including tuna, certain cheeses like Manchego) linked to better vitamin D status and lower inflammation.
What this means for patients with metabolic syndrome (or at risk): Low vitamin D appears to worsen the chronic inflammation that fuels metabolic syndrome and its complications, including insulin resistance. Addressing deficiency through everyday foods could help calm inflammation, support metabolic health, and potentially ease factors tied to insulin resistance.
Practical tips:
- Include Vitamin D supplementation daily. in Canada it is very challenging to achieve normal levels with food.
- Obesity and insulin resistance raise deficiency risk, ask your naturopathic doctor to check your vitamin D level