Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Related to Vitamin D and Adiponectin in Obese Children and Adolescents

Obesity-related diseases are becoming the most important causes of mortality worldwide. Several studies have suggested an association between low levels of vitamin D and obesity. In addition, plasma adiponectin levels have been found to be lower in obese subjects. We evaluated the association of metabolic risk factors with both adiponectin and vitamin D levels and that between adiponectin and vitamin D levels. The study consisted of 114 obese and healthy subjects. 25-Hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D] levels were positively correlated with adiponectin and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (T-C), triglyceride (TG), fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA index), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The mean 25(OH) D levels in the obese and nonobese groups were 22.5 + 5.7 and 32.3 + 5.8 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.0001). The mean adiponectin level in the obese group was lower than that in the nonobese group (P < 0.0001). Lower vitamin D and adiponectin levels were strongly associated with metabolic risk factors and obesity in Turkish children and adolescents.