Vitamin D Status and Associations With Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes in Children Enrolled in a Medical Weight Management Program

Abstract

Background. Studies of vitamin D status have linked low 25(OH)D levels with biomarkers of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Obese children and adolescents are at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency as vitamin D is thought to be sequestered in adipose tissue. The objective of this analysis was to examine the associations between 25(OH)D status and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes in a population of overweight and obese children enrolled in a medical management program. Materials and Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 161 children enrolled in a medical weight management program. Pearson correlation coefficient were used to evaluate associations of biochemical measurements and 25(OH)D status. Multiple regression was used to evaluate 25(OH)D levels as a predictor of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Results. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the population was 34 kg/m2, mean 25(OH)D levels were 21.8 ng/mL. White subjects had significantly higher ...