Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Tunisian Children with Obesity

Background: A negative association between serum vitamin D levels and obesity has been reported by several studies. Data on vitamin D status in Tunisian obese children and its relationship with metabolic syndrome remain rare.

Aim: We aimed to study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Tunisian obese children and to examine the correlation between vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome.

Methods: Thirty obese children matched to 30 non-overweight volunteer controls by age, gender and pubertal stage were included in a prospective study. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured.  Vitamin D level, fasting glucose and lipid profile were performed in all subjects.

Results: Vitamin D deficiency was more common in obese children (94% vs 80 %, p=0.002). Vitamin D level was negatively correlated with BMI (p= 0.001, r= -0.51). Six obese children were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with waist circumference (p=0.019, r=-0.13), systolic Blood pressure (p=0.04, r=-0.26), triglyceride level (p=0.025, r= -0.3), insulin (p=0.01, r=-0.34) and HOMA-IR (p=0.035, r=-0.29).

Conclusions: despite the sunny climate, the deficiency in vitalmine D is common in Tunisia. Vitamin D levels are inversely correlated with BMI and the risk of metabolic syndrome.