Role of vitamin D in insulin resistance in obese individuals

Background Vitamin D is a fat-soluble compound responsible for promoting intestinal absorption of calcium, and this, in turn, acts as a signal transmitter or activator as protein in secretory processes and release of hormones. Vitamin D receptors are distributed in various tissues of the body and involved in biochemical reactions in the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as obesity. Objective The aim of this article is to provide updated information on the role of vitamin D in insulin resistance in obese individuals. Methods It was conducted a search of articles published in PubMED, SciELO, and LILACS database, without limit for the year of publication, using the keywords “vitamin D”, “insulin resistance”, and “obesity”. Results Excess adipose tissue seems to impair insulin signaling by inhibiting the phosphorylation of its receptor, resulting in insulin resistance. Studies have evidenced role of vitamin D in mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obesity by acting in improving glycemic control both by increasing hepatic and peripheral glucose uptake and by promoting the secretion of this hormone. Conclusions Vitamin D exerts a protective effect in the treatment and prevention of insulin resistance in patients with obesity and protects the body against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, contributing to glycemic control. Unfortunately, current data related to the effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance are still inconclusive.