Low vitamin D was linked to existing peripheral artery disease
The review found an association with existing disease, but evidence for predicting future disease remained inconclusive and diagnostic performance was poor.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Vitamin D deficiency was associated with more existing peripheral artery disease. The association with later PAD occurrence was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for other factors, and deficiency performed poorly as a diagnostic marker. These findings do not establish that low vitamin D causes PAD or that supplements prevent it.
The abstract does not report participant totals, follow-up periods or adjustment factors. This abstract-based account therefore cannot assess how those choices influenced the findings.
What researchers found
Odds ratio for existing PAD
Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) versus insufficient or sufficient levels; assessment timing unreported. Odds compare having PAD with not having it. A ratio of one means equal odds; this estimate and interval indicate higher odds, not probability or absolute risk.
Association with existing disease
People with PAD had lower vitamin D levels on average than those without it. This comparison concerns existing disease and cannot establish whether low vitamin D contributed to its development.
Prediction and diagnosis differ
The review addressed separate questions: association with existing disease, prediction of later disease and diagnostic accuracy. An association with existing PAD does not, by itself, demonstrate useful prediction or diagnosis.
The original publication
The Association between Vitamin D and Peripheral Arterial Disease and its Value as a Prognostic and Diagnostic Marker A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Bontinis A, Bontinis V, Pitoulias GA et al.
Curr Atheroscler Rep · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41196504
- Record checked
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