Association between Serum Vitamin D3 Deficiency and Periodontitis: Evidence from a Pakistani Population

Abstract

Background: Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progressive destruction of periodontal tissues and alveolar bone. Emerging evidence highlights vitamin D3 deficiency as a potential risk factor due to its immunomodulatory and bone-regulating functions.

Objective: This study investigated the association between serum vitamin D3 levels and periodontitis in a Pakistani population.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Periodontology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from January 2023 to December 2023. Eighty-four participants were enrolled, including 46 patients with clinically diagnosed periodontitis and 38 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Periodontal diagnosis was based on probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and radiographic bone loss. Serum vitamin D3 concentrations were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay and categorized as deficient (<30 ng/ml) or sufficient (30–100 ng/ml).

Results: The mean serum vitamin D3 level was significantly lower in periodontitis patients (29.07 ± 16.08 ng/ml) compared with controls (41.26 ± 12.94 ng/ml; p<0.001). All periodontitis cases (100%) exhibited vitamin D deficiency, whereas only 47.4% of controls were deficient (p<0.001). Chi-square analysis confirmed a significant association between periodontitis and low serum vitamin D3 (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Vitamin D3 deficiency was highly prevalent among periodontitis patients compared to healthy individuals, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker and modifiable risk factor. Incorporating vitamin D assessment and correction into periodontal management may enhance clinical outcomes. Larger longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to clarify causality and therapeutic implications.