Associations between vitamin D status in infants and blood lipids, body mass index and waist circumference

K Arnberg1, M Østergård, A L Madsen

  • 1Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark. kaar@life.ku.dk

Insights

Infant vitamin D status was linked to lower blood lipids and smaller waist circumference. This study examined 255 infants, finding negative associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and these health markers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Vitamin D is crucial for infant health.
  • Understanding vitamin D's impact on metabolic markers is important.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and key health indicators in infants.
  • To explore associations with blood lipids, glucose, insulin, BMI, and waist circumference.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 255 nine-month-old infants.
  • Analysis of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D via chemiluminescent immunoassay.
  • Multivariate analysis of associations with lipids, glucose, insulin, BMI, and waist circumference.

Main Results:

  • Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 77.2 ± 22.7 nM; 97% received supplementation.
  • Negative associations found between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and HDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides (p < 0.01).
  • Negative associations observed with body mass index and waist circumference (p < 0.01).
  • No significant associations with glucose or insulin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Infant vitamin D status is inversely correlated with blood lipids, BMI, and waist circumference.
  • These findings highlight a potential link between vitamin D and metabolic health in infants.
  • Further research is needed to determine long-term health implications.
Abstract

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