The association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome in Ukrainian adolescents with overweight and obesity

Abstract

Purpose: This work aims to determine the association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese adolescents from Ukraine.Methods: Anthropometric measurements were taken and general and biochemical examinations were performed on 136 obese and overweight adolescents and 60 adolescents with normal body weight. The vitamin D status was determined using 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (calcidiol) levels in blood serum. To establish the factors influencing vitamin D status, the subjects were asked to answer a questionnaire and 2007 International Diabetes Federation diagnostic criteria were used to determine the incidence of metabolic syndrome. All research results were processed statistically.Results: A calcidiol sufficiency level was found in 3.9% of obese adolescents and 6.7% of overweight adolescents. Metabolic syndrome was found in 64.4% of obese adolescents with vitamin D deficiency, and in 26.2% of overweight adolescents. Factors associated with an increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency in adolescents with metabolic syndrome included male sex (p=0.042), low income per family member (p=0.040), daily milk consumption of up to 1 cup per day (p=0.001), physical activity (p=0.001), duration of outdoor stays (p=0.001), and passive rest in front of a computer or television (p=0.001). Adolescents with metabolic syndrome were found predominance of body mass index (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001), fasting blood glucose level (Р<0.001), and decreased calcidiol level (p=0.022). Among metabolic syndrome components, vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with waist circumference and increased fasting blood glucose (p<0.05).Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in overweight and obese adolescents from Ukraine. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome criteria in overweight and obese adolescents.

Association of Blood Calcidiol Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents With Vitamin D Deficiency

“…Herein, MetS prevalence was much higher than the 2020 Mexico children's MetS prevalence trend estimate of 12.3%, 2 but much lower than that in the Caucasian Ukrainian adolescent's population. 25 The robust differences can be explained by the different methodologies used in the three studies. Our study participants included a group of consecutive individuals with risk factors for VDD (86%), whereas the global estimate burden report was a "database systematic review with modeling analysis" 2 of observational studies that reported prevalence estimates.…”

Vitamin D and Healthcare Service Utilization in Children: Insights from a Machine Learning Approach

“…When investigating further potential predictors that were not involved in the regression tree (“surrogate” predictors), we found that Group B was associated with the highest BMI z-score and the highest frequency of preterm births. Vitamin D levels are known to be influenced by adiposity, given that adipose tissue is a site of storage for lipophilic substances [ 33 ] and there is evidence that overweight/obese children frequently show reduced serum vitamin D levels [ 34 , 35 ]. With regard to preterm birth, it is known to be associated with high risk for calcium-phosphorus metabolism alterations, with consequently impaired bone mineralization and possible development of osteopenia of prematurity [ 36 ].…”

What is the disease burden from childhood and adolescent obesity?: a narrative review

“…Similarly, data from KNHANES 2011–2019 showed that among Korean youths who were metabolically unhealthy and overweight/obese, dysglycemia (48.8%) was the most prevalent cardiometabolic risk factor, followed by hypertension (41.5%), low HDL-C levels (35.0%), and high TG levels (29.7%) [ 28 ]. A high proportion of adolescents with metabolic syndrome had elevated waist circumference, BMI, and fasting blood glucose levels [ 29 ].…”

“…Children and adolescents with obesity are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency [ 63 ]. Vitamin D deficiency in childhood and adolescence has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and prediabetes, which are also linked to obesity [ 9 , 29 ]. Adolescent boys with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were more likely to be obese and have an increased risk of atherogenic events [ 64 ].…”