Vitamin D Deficiency and Mastalgia: A Prospective Controlled Study on Prevalence and the Therapeutic Impact of Supplementation.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and mastalgia and assess the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in alleviating mastalgia symptoms.

Materials and methods: A prospective investigational study conducted in an Indian tertiary teaching centre. Participants were included if the presented with mastalgia and controls without mastalgia were also were recruited. Exclusion criteria were malignant pathology; fibroadenoma; other benign breast diseases; or recent therapeutic vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency was classified as <20 ng/mL. Women in the mastalgia group with deficiency received 60,000 IU weekly oral vitamin D for eight weeks. Symptom severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and follow-up intervals of 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Difference in serum vitamin D levels between groups and changes in VAS scores post-supplementation was assessed.

Results: A total of 200 women, including 100 with mastalgia and 100 without (control group), were recruited over two years.The mean serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in the mastalgia group (25.29±7.7 ng/mL) compared to controls (31.46±8.5 ng/mL, p<0.0001). Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in the mastalgia group (26% vs. 9%, p = 0.001). Post-supplementation, 46% of deficient patients in the mastalgia group reported symptom improvement, with 21% achieving complete resolution. However, 54% reported persistent symptoms despite achieving sufficient vitamin D levels.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in Indian women with mastalgia, and supplementation provides symptomatic relief for some patients. However, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience symptoms, suggesting other underlying factors contributing to mastalgia. Further research is needed to explore these factors and optimize management strategies.