To evaluate the association between vitamin D status and the risk of peripheral neuropathy 

Forty-four studies were included in the systematic review, with 31 in the meta-analysis, involving 420,311 participants. The pooled analysis demonstrated a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of PNP (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.18–1.56; p < 0.0001), while no significant relationship was observed for vitamin D insufficiency (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.91–1.04; p = 0.45). Sensitivity analysis, after excluding two lower-quality studies, revealed a markedly higher pooled OR of 3.05 (95% CI: 1.76–5.30), confirming the robustness of the association. Among diabetic populations, vitamin D deficiency further elevated the risk of PNP (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.23–1.65; p < 0.00001). Overall, these findings highlight that inadequate vitamin D levels are strongly linked to peripheral neuropathy, particularly in individuals with diabetes.

Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy, especially in diabetics. adequate vitamin D may protect against nerve damage. Despite heterogeneity, findings suggest a biological link needing further confirmation through future studies.