The association between vitamin D status and cardiometabolic disorders in overweight and obese adolescents

Abstract

An increase in the prevalence of overweight and obese adolescents is often combined with a low level of vitamin D that may be associated with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders, which underlie the development of arterial hypertension and cardiometabolic changes. This work aimed to determine the association between vitamin D status and the main parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and anthropometric measurements. A total of 196 adolescents (129 boys and 67 girls) from the Ternopil region were examined. Their mean age was 15.5 ± 2.3 years. Based on the body mass index (BMI): 60 adolescents had normal body weight, 60 were overweight, and 76 were obese. Anthropometric measurements and general examinations were performed. In blood serum 25(OH)D levels and the main parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were determined. Low levels of 25(OH)D were found. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adolescents with BMI up to the 85th percentile was 56.7%, with BMI in the 85-97 th percentiles was 70.0% and with BMI over the 97 th percentile was 77.6%. Serum 25(OH)D levels in overweight and obese adolescents had a significant correlation with BMI

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

“…A relationship between obesity and vitamin D deficiency has been reported by many research teams. Their findings indicate that progressive obesity reduces levels of calcidiol, which circulates in the blood due to its accumulation in adipose tissue; decreases the bioavailability of calcidiol; and helps reduce the rate of hydroxylation in the liver due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [ 29 , 30 ]. Interrelationships have been reported between the blood level of vitamin D metabolites and metabolic syndrome criteria, including an increase in proatherogenic lipids, a decrease in HDL-C, and increases in insulin resistance, glycemia, and blood pressure [ 30 , 31 ].…”

“…The greater tendency for boys to develop vitamin D deficiency seen in our study may have an activating effect on 1α-hydroxylase and hydroxylation through sex hormones and growth factors [ 25 , 26 ]. The greater prevalence of abdominal obesity in boys can also lead to decreased vitamin D due to sequestration in fat tissue [ 29 , 30 , 32 ].…”