Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Association of vitamin D concentrations with adiposity indices among preadolescent children in Korea

Hye Ah Lee, Young Ju Kim, Hwayoung Lee

    Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
    |June 5, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were inversely linked to adiposity indicators in Korean preadolescent children. Maintaining adequate vitamin D is crucial for preventing childhood obesity and related health issues.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Nutritional Science
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
    • Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in children globally.
    • The relationship between vitamin D and adiposity in preadolescents requires further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and anthropometric indicators of adiposity.
    • To assess these associations in Korean preadolescent children aged 7-9 years.

    Main Methods:

    • Cross-sectional study of 205 Korean children aged 7-9 years.
    • Serum 25(OH)D measured by radioimmunoassay.
    • Adiposity assessed using BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass, and other indicators.
    • Analyses adjusted for sex, age, birth order, maternal education, and dietary factors.

    Main Results:

    • Most children had insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels (<30 ng/mL).
    • 25(OH)D levels showed inverse associations with BMI, waist circumference, and body fat mass.
    • Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with a reduced risk of overweight (OR=0.87).

    Conclusions:

    • Serum 25(OH)D concentrations are inversely associated with adiposity indices in preadolescent children.
    • Adequate vitamin D status is important for preventing obesity in children.
    • This highlights the need for strategies to ensure sufficient vitamin D intake during childhood.
    Abstract

    Related Concept Videos

    Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

    Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

    The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
    The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
    Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

    Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

    The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
    Vitamin A
    Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
    Vitamin B12
    Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
    Obesity01:24

    Obesity

    The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
    Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

    Connective Tissue Cell Types

    Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
    Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
    Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

    Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

    Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight, compared...