Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D status with obesity as well as blood glucose and lipid concentrations in children and adolescents in China.

Background Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient during the growth and development of the human body. Previously, most of the researches about the relationship of vitamin D and obesity were focused on adults. In this paper, the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and obesity among children and adolescents in China was analyzed. Methods From August 2012 to August 2014, 443 children and adolescents participated in this study. Serum 25(OH)D, lipid and glucose were measured in the laboratory. All the participants were classified into 2 groups (obese and non-obese group) on the basis of their BMI. They were then categorized into vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D normal groups according to the serum concentrations of 25(OH)D. Results The concentration of serum 25(OH)D in the obese group was significantly lower than that of the non-obese group (P < 0.001). The concentration of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance showed significant differences between the obese and non-obese groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions Children and adolescents suffering from obesity are more likely to have lower concentrations of serum 25(OH)D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]