Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in apparently healthy adolescents and its association with body mass index in Puducherry population

Abstract

Background: Several earlier studies were focused on Vitamin D status and insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus in adult population. However, very few studies have been done among the healthy adolescents associating Vitamin D status with body mass index (BMI) (anthropometric marker of central obesity). Objective: To examine the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in apparently healthy adolescent and its association with BMI in apparently healthy adolescents (12-19 years age group) of Puducherry region. Methods: About 60 apparently healthy adolescents were evaluated for anthropometric, physiological, and
biochemical (fasting insulin and glucose, lipid profile, and 25[OH]D) parameters. Correlation between Vitamin D levels and BMI was calculated. Results: Our study demonstrated a significant low level of 25(OH)D level in overweight (BMI=25-29.9) and obese adolescent (BMI?30) compared to non-obese (BMI<25) group. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed strong negative association between BMI and serum 25(OH)D. Conclusion: Overweight or obese adolescents are more prone to Vitamin D deficiency. Hence, major efforts should be undertaken to tackle Vitamin D deficiency in adolescents such as food fortification and micronutrient
supplementation.