Assessment of vitamin D status in obese and non-obese patients: A case-control study

Abstract

Background

Vitamin D is an essential component of healthy bones and its deficiency is widespread in obese patients. Through our study, we aimed to look into vitamin D status in obese and non-obese patients and determine its association with hypertension, glucose levels, and lipid profiles.

Patients and methods

A case-control study was laid out to compare serum Vitamin D levels between obese patients and controls. Obese patients (n= 67) over 18 years old were recruited from our Endocrinology-Diabetology and Nutrition department between March 2018 and September 2023. Controls (n = 60) were randomly assigned and were matched for age, sex, glycated hemoglobin, ethnicity, and geographic area. The levels of Vitamin D in the serum were determined in obese patients and non-obese controls.

Results

Average serum Vitamin D concentration was established in both groups, reaching 10,41±4,2 ng/ml in obese patients and 15,14±6,1 ng/ml in the control group. The mean serum Vitamin D was significantly lower in the obese group (p = 0,000). A positive correlation was noticed between body fat and serum Vitamin D (p < 0,05). A significant correlation between vitamin D status and glycated hemoglobin in the obese group (p = 0,047) was found, whereas it was insignificant in the control group (p = 0,966). In addition, the correlation between vitamin D, blood pressure, and body mass index was significant (p = 0.004) as well as between vitamin D and triglycerides (p = 0.015) and cholesterol (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is common in obese patients, as highlighted by our study, which is in line with other findings. This may be explained by the fact that vitamin D must be supplied at a greater volume in obese patients. A significant correlation between BMI, vitamin D, glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol was found. The pathophysiology behind this association is complex. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between vitamin D, adipose tissue, and the other components of metabolic syndrome.