Vitamin D Deficiency: A Modifiable Risk Factor for Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo, predominantly affecting middle-aged women. While canalith repositioning maneuvers are generally effective, recurrence is frequent and can significantly impact quality of life. An increasing number of studies have reported an association between vitamin D deficiency and BPPV, especially in recurrent cases. Furthermore, recent meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials suggest that vitamin D supplementation can significantly reduce recurrence rates in patients with BPPV. Despite growing awareness, vitamin D deficiency remains prevalent in Korea. Given the high burden of BPPV and the safety and accessibility of vitamin D supplementation, vitamin D screening and supplementation can be a clinically reasonable and potentially beneficial strategy—particularly for middle-aged women, who are most commonly affected by BPPV, and for BPPV patients with recurrent episodes.