Association between Vitamin D Intake and Its Beneficial Effect on Cardiometabolic Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

Abstract

Introduction-Purpose: It is a fact that there has been a dramatic increase in the global prevalence of overweight children and adolescents with obesity in the last decade. From the existing literature, it has been shown that it is somehow related to the low serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (s25(OH)D). Several studies suggest the consumption of vitamin D supplements in children-adolescent patients with obesity, despite its controversial effectiveness. The aim is to detect a correlation and evaluate the intake of vitamin D supplements and its effectiveness in the treatment of metabolic disorders of overweight and obese children-adolescents. Material and Method: A review of current literature on vitamin D and cardiometabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents was carried out, using several databases such as PubMed, Cross Ref, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Results: A combination of available sources shows that insufficient vitamin D levels have the potential to affect various aspects of health, including cardiovascular well-being. In children-adolescents with obesity, there is difficulty in increasing vitamin D levels due to its possible thinning in adipose tissue, either due to limited exposure to sunlight or due to low consumption of foods rich in vitamin D. Recommended doses daily vitamin D consumption is usually >4,000IU. A positive impact has been found with vitamin D restoration therapy on insulin secretion and function, improvement of lipid profile and reduction of body mass index (BMI). However, the effect of vitamin D appears to have limited clinical significance and controversial cardiovascular and metabolic effects. Conclusions: In conclusion, it has been found that the consumption of vitamin D supplements slightly increases s25(OH)D levels in overweight-obese children-adolescents and that there is a link between its increase and its effects on certain complications that follow the disease. Nevertheless, more extensive research, continued vigilance of relevant bodies and parents and efforts to promote effective interventions to improve the health of parents are recommended. overweight children-adolescents.