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The relationship between vitamin D level and hepatosteatosis in obese children
Fatma Dursun1, Nelgin Gerenli2, Seyma Meliha Su Dur3
1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
This study found no significant difference in Vitamin D levels between obese children with and without fatty liver disease. Obesity itself appears to be the primary factor associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in this group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is rising, increasing risks for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and related health issues.
- Hepatosteatosis, a component of NAFLD, is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
- Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent and has been explored for its potential role in various chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between 25-hydroxy Vitamin D levels and the presence of hepatosteatosis in obese children.
- To determine if Vitamin D status is a significant factor in the development of fatty liver in pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- 110 obese children (aged 10-16) were enrolled in a single-season study (September-November).
- Hepatosteatosis was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasonography.
- 25-hydroxy Vitamin D levels were compared between children with and without hepatosteatosis.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in 25-hydroxy Vitamin D levels was found between the hepatosteatosis and non-hepatosteatosis groups.
- After adjusting for age and sex, Vitamin D levels did not correlate significantly with liver enzymes (AST, ALT) or body mass index.
Conclusions:
- This study did not find a significant difference in Vitamin D levels between obese children with and without hepatosteatosis.
- Obesity, independent of Vitamin D status, is strongly associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children.
- Larger-scale studies are recommended to further elucidate the role of Vitamin D in pediatric obesity-related hepatosteatosis.
Objective:
The increasing incidence of obesity in children is a significant risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity-associated morbidity. In the present study, we aimed to explore the correlation between Vitamin D level and hepatosteatosis in obese children.
Methods:
A total of 110 children aged 10-16 years who presented to pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic for obesity were enrolled. The study was completed in a single season between September and November. Hepatosteatosis was diagnosed by ultrasonography. The patients were grouped into two groups: Group 1 comprised patients with hepatosteatosis and Group 2 consisted of patients without hepatosteatosis. 25 hydroxy (25-OH) Vitamin D levels were compared between patients with and without hepatosteatosis.
Results:
No statistically significant difference was observed between 25-OH Vitamin D levels of patients with and without hepatosteatosis. When the effects of age and sex were kept constant, there was no significant correlation between Vitamin D level and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and body mass index values.
Conclusion:
Unlike the results of the previous studies, we were unable to detect any significant difference between Vitamin D levels of obese patients with and without hepatosteatosis. We think that obesity, rather than Vitamin D status, that is, in fact, independently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Larger studies are needed to investigate the impact of Vitamin D in children with obesity with hepatosteatosis.
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