BackgroundAlthough vitamin D deficiency has been studied in various adult populations, there are few data on the prevalence of this nutritional deficiency among healthy adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to examine its correlates in adolescents aged 15 to 18 years.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study in urban schools. Healthy adolescents (N=315) from a sample of 8 schools were randomly selected from the 142 schools in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate. Outcomes measured included serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD), plasma lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure and anthropometric data, nutrition and lifestyle variables.ResultsFourty-one participants (19.7%) were vitamin D deficient (serum 25OHD level ≤15 ng/mL [≤37.5 nmol/L]. Using a cutoff level of 25(OH) D of ≤20 ng/ml [≤50 nmol/l] 143 participants (45.4%) were vitamin D insufficient. Overall 65.1% of study participants were either vitamin D deficient or insufficient. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied between boys (10%) and girls (28%). In a final multivariate model, serum 25(OH) D concentrations were inversely correlated with female gender, consumption of fast food per week, and body mass index and positively correlated with physical activity scores after adjustment for age.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent in adolescents, and more common in girls.

ObjectivesPopulation-based data on metabolic syndrome (MetS) among children is lacking in the United Arab Emirates which has among the highest rates of diabetes in the world. In this study we determined the prevalence of MetS and its correlates in a sample of adolescents.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 1,018 adolescents (48.4% girls) aged 12–18 years from Al Ain Abu Dhabi Emirates. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity and dietary habits. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. MetS was defined using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.ResultsThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 13%. Boys compared to girls were more likely to have MetS (21% vs. 4%, odds ratio [OR]: 6.57, 95%CI: 4.01 to 10.75). The prevalence of MetS increased with increase in body mass index and reached 59 percent in obese boys. After multivariable adjustment boys who were overweight (adjusted OR: 2.72 [1.37 to 5.35]), or obese (AOR: 12.70 [7.31 to 22.05]), or spent two or more than two hours on screen in a day (AOR: 1.65 [1.01 to 2.69) were more likely to have MetS. Girls who were overweight (AOR: 4.23 [1.32 to 13.62]) or obese (AOR: 8.32 [2.73 to 25.32]) were more likely to have MetS.ConclusionsThe prevalence of MetS is high among UAE boys. Population-based strategies are needed to address the high burden of metabolic syndrome targeted at the identified risk factors.

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Visceral obesity is common in the United Arab Emirates and worldwide. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) leads to effective and sustainable weight loss, its long-term beneficial impact on other risk factors, including blood lipid and fatty acid (FA) profiles, remains unknown. These two profiles were assessed in patients 3 years after undergoing LSG and in LSG candidates (controls). Lipid profiles were measured using the Cobas e411 modular analyzer, and 35 FAs were identified. The age and body mass index were 36.55 ± 8.65 years and 31.49 ± 6.43 kg/m2 in the LSG group and 35.44 ± 9.51 years and 32.29 ± 5.38 kg/m2 in the control group, respectively. The overall lipid profile was more favorable in the LSG group than in the control group. Total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs were similar between the groups, but total medium-chain FAs were more abundant in the LSG group. In endogenous FA synthesis, the estimated activity of C16Δ9 desaturase and Δ5 desaturase decreased, whereas that of elongase increased in the LSG group compared with that in the control group. The benefits of LSG on blood lipid and FA profiles in patients with 3-year LSG may be limited. Hence, lifestyle interventions combined with a long-term and strict regular follow-up regime may be warranted for patients undergoing LSG.

Abstractsor preparing food and lack of a pertinent study about this issue in Iran, the present study was conducted aiming at analyzing the relationship between consumption of fast foods and the amount of micronutrient intake as well as anxiety. Methods We conducted a cross-section study with 488 pupils aged 8-12 years living in Tehran selected by cluster sampling from 22 districts of Tehran. Diet assessments were done using 24 hours recall in two times with a week interval. Levels of anxiety were determined using the Persian version of the validated Speilburger test. A regression analysis model with appropriate odds was used to assess the effect of fast food consumption on anxiety variables. Results Significant statistical relationship was observed between consumption amount of fast foods and trait and state anxiety levels. Adjusting for age, gender and body mass index, the Proportional Odds Regression Model showed a significant relationship between consumption amount of fast foods and trait and state anxiety. odds of getting either moderate or severe anxiety in those students who frequently consumed fast foods was seven folds higher than those students who rarely used fast foods. Conclusions High consumption of Fast-foods was associated with the increased anxiety levels.