Environmental Medicine and Toxicology

Environmental Medicine and Toxicology

Evaluation of serum calcium, iron, and vitamin D homeostasis in relation to cataract in western Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fariba Shaikhi Shoushtari 1
Zeyna Tahmasebi 2
Samaneh Nakhaee 3
Zohreh Manoochehri 4
Pejvak Azadi 1
Borhan Mansouri 4
1 Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Khomeini and Mohammad Kermanshahi and Farabi Hospitals, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
3 Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
4 Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22034/emt.2026.601758.1005
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cataract formation is influenced by genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors, with growing interest in the role of micronutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D. This study aims to examine the relationship between serum levels of these nutrients and cataract prevalence in western Iran, highlighting the potential for nutritional intervention to address this common issue.
Methods: This study involved cataract patients (n=100) in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Kermanshah, and a control group (n=100) with similar lifestyle factors. Demographic information and medical histories were obtained through a standardized checklist. Red blood cell indices, serum iron, calcium, and vitamin D levels were determined and compared in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using R software.
Results: The study found no significant differences in vitamin D, calcium, iron, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) levels between the groups (all p > 0.05). Type 2 diabetes (OR = 3.19; 95% CI: 1.46, 6.99; p = 0.004) and hypertension (OR = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.18, 6.22; p = 0.020) were significantly associated with having cataract. Conversely, higher Hct concentrations (OR= 0.58; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.73; p < 0.001) were correlated with reduced odds of cataracts. Calcium, vitamin D, and iron levels did not show significant associations with cataracts (all p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Our study found lower hematocrit levels, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension as significant factors associated with increased odds of cataract.

Graphical Abstract

Evaluation of serum calcium, iron, and vitamin D homeostasis in relation to cataract in western Iran

Highlights

  • Type 2 diabetes and hypertension significantly increased cataract risk in Western Iranian patients.
  • Higher hematocrit levels were associated with a protective effect against cataract development.
  • Serum calcium, iron, and vitamin D levels showed no significant association with cataract.
  • Metabolic health and hematological status may be more important than micronutrient levels in cataract prevention.

Keywords
Cataract
Vitamin D
Hemoglobin Levels
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Hypertension
Subjects
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Environmental Medicine and Toxicology
Volume 1, Issue 1
Summer 2026
Pages 31-40

  • Receive Date 09 September 2026
  • Revise Date 18 September 2026
  • Accept Date 24 September 2026
  • First Publish Date 24 September 2026
  • Publish Date 27 September 2026