Assessment of Micronutrient Status and Metabolic Syndrome Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a clustering of metabolic abnormalities that significantly heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These abnormalities typically include elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia), abnormal lipid profile (elevated triglycerides and/or low HDL cholesterol), high blood pressure (hypertension), and abdominal obesity (increased waist circumference). In India and other emerging nations, there has been a notable increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. This rise is partly attributed to urbanization, which brings about lifestyle changes such as poor dietary habits, sedentary behaviors, and reduced physical activity. Women, especially during middle age and post menopause, are particularly susceptible to obesity. Factors like hormonal changes during menopause and a shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle contribute to this vulnerability.

Material and Method: This study received approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee prior to commencement. The participants consisted of 350 women aged 35-64 years, categorized into three groups based on menopausal status: premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrollment.

Results: When comparing premenopausal and postmenopausal women, the mean levels and percentages of all components of the metabolic syndrome—aside from HDL—were greater in perimenopausal women. All three groups had similar and lower-than-normal HDL cholesterol levels. In addition, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had considerably greater levels of homocysteine and HOMA IR than premenopausal women did. Compared to premenopausal women, the concentrations of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D were significantly reduced in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. When compared to the premenopausal group, the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups exhibited notably lower omega-3 fatty acid and greater omega-6: omega-3 ratio.

Conclusion: The current study did not assess parathyroid hormone. Future research should use PTH as a functional indicator of vitamin D levels. Future research should consider including vitamin B6, which has a significant role in the breakdown of homocysteine, in addition to vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D. The current study could not identify the minimal amount of micronutrients required to prevent MetS. There is potential to expand this study to other urban areas and other demographic groups because the majority of the women are housewives from the lower middle class who are also less educated.

Keywords: PTH, vitamin D, HOMA IR, HDL, Vitamin B12 and Omega-6: omega-3