Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Its incidence is increasing across all segments of the population. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency has been linked to many of the characteristics of metabolic syndrome. Research also indicates that in the United States, current recommended intakes may be set too low for vitamin D. Establishing optimal vitamin D intake levels and identifying means to achieve those intakes could prove to be of great benefit in prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome.