Vitamin D status in Norwegian children and adolescents with excess body weight

The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity has increased during the past decades. A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with a low vitamin D status. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Norwegian children and adolescents with excess body weight.

Vitamin D status and seasonal variations of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)(2)D were analyzed in 102 children and adolescents (70 girls and 32 boys), 8-19 yr of age, with overweight and obesity.

Overall, 50% of the children and adolescents included in the study had a low vitamin D status (25(OH)D <75 nmol/L) and 19% had vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <50 nmol/L). This was most prevalent in adolescents. Only 42% of teenagers had 25(OH)D levels ≥75 nmol/L vs. 72% of preteens. Both 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)(2)D showed seasonal variations. A peak in serum 25(OH)D concentrations was observed during the summer while the lowest values were seen during the spring. In contrast, serum 1,25(OH)(2)D had a peak during the spring and the lowest concentrations during the winter.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is higher in obese and overweight adolescents than in overweight children. This might be related to low outdoor activities and low vitamin D intake in teenagers. Seasonal variations of both the vitamin D metabolites were observed.