Vitamin D Therapy May Induce Lipoma Involution: A Multi-case Report

Benign lipomas are a common medical problem that is not known to regress spontaneously. In addition, vitamin D (VD) is a known regulator of adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. Thus, the purpose of this multi-case study was to determine if optimizing serum 1,25(OH)D3 (VD3) concentrations to the 40-60 ng/mL range would catalyze regression of benign subcutaneous lipomas. This IRB-approved study was interrupted by the COVID-19 epidemic. Nine patients presenting to the plastic surgery clinic before the pandemic and who followed up after defined the study cohort. Patients underwent lipoma size measurement and serum 25(OH)D (VD) assay at the clinic visit before and after the pandemic. Enrolled patients were prescribed 10,000 IU of VD3 intake daily for three months if serum VD levels were abnormally low and then 5,000 IU daily thereafter. Patients were prescribed 5,000 IU daily if serum VD levels were within a normal (30-40 ng/dL) range. The treatment duration was seven to 18 months. Of the nine patients who were compliant with oral VD3 intake and exhibited increased serum VD levels, six manifested substantial lipoma size regression, and three manifested lipoma growth arrest. Serum VD levels increased in all (nine) patients compliant with VD3 treatment. Although limited in size, this study suggests that VD3 therapy possibly promotes lipoma regression and should be further investigated.