Adiposity, inflammation and fat‐soluble vitamins in adolescents

Abstract

ObjectiveEvaluate the association between inflammatory process, adiposity, and vitamins A, D, and E in adolescents, according to gender. MethodsCross‐sectional study with adolescents aged 12–19 years old of both genders attending public schools in Recife. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic level, lifestyle, and food intake of adolescents. Then, an anthropometric evaluation and a blood sampling were performed to analyze serum concentrations of α‐1‐acid glycoprotein, retinol, β‐carotene, α‐tocopherol, and 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D. ResultsThe levels of α‐1‐acid glycoprotein were higher for abdominal obesity in both genders. Male adolescents with insufficient serum α‐tocopherol levels had low levels of α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (p=0.03) and an increased risk of 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D and β‐carotene deficiency in relation to total and abdominal fat; female adolescents had an increased risk of insufficient β‐carotene with abdominal obesity (PR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.2–1.5). ConclusionAbdominal adiposity implies a higher risk of inflammation and causes different changes to the levels of fat‐soluble vitamins according to gender.