Exploring the Link Between Vitamin B Levels and Metabolic Syndrome Risk: Insights from a Case-Control Study in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a collection of metabolic disorders that include insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The prevalence of MS affects 20–30% of adults worldwide, leading to serious health, social, and economic issues. Mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and altered dynamics, plays a pivotal role in MS by impairing glucose oxidation. B vitamins are crucial for optimal mitochondrial function and overall metabolic processes, particularly within the context of MS. This study aims to investigate the associations between plasma concentrations of B vitamins and the risk of MS within the Kazakh population. Methods: In this case-control study, biochemistry measurements included serum fasting glucose, HbA1c, creatinine, and lipid profile parameters. The sample comprised individuals who agreed to participate in the investigation and at the Semey polyclinic between December 2022 to March 2024. A total of 190 Kazakhs aged 35–65 years old, including 104 subjects with MS and 86 without MS, took part in the study. Results: In a comparative analysis of serum vitamin B levels against established reference ranges, the following results were observed: 95% of participants exhibited vitamin B2 levels at the lower limit of normal, while 4.59% were classified as low. For vitamin B3, 95.77% showed low levels, with only 4.23% in the normal range. Vitamin B6 levels were low in 76.02% of participants. In contrast, 92.82% had normal serum levels of vitamin B9. Regarding vitamin B12, 38.82% had normal levels, 59.41% had elevated levels, and 1.76% were classified as low. Among the evaluated vitamins, only vitamin B2 showed a significant correlation with the risk of developing MS, with an OR of 1.79 (95% CI 1.003, 3.19, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Relatively elevated serum levels of vitamin B2 at the lower limit of the normal range are associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of developing MS.