Vitamin D, body mass composition and metabolic risk factors in healthy young Indians

Studies have linked vitamin D to risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a potential confounder in these studies. This study examined the relationship of 25 (OH) cholecalciferol (25[OH] D3) with insulin resistance, blood glucose, and lipid profile in lean male adults.

We enrolled two hundred and thirty four military recruits before beginning of military training. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected from them. The participants underwent body mass composition analysis by dual energy X ray absorptiometry. Fasting samples were collected for measurement of blood glucose, lipid profile, 25(OH) D3, serum parathormone (PTH) and insulin.

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was found in 47.7% (107/224) and 31.6% (71/224) of participants, respectively. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient 25(OH) cholecalciferol and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were inversely correlated (p = 0.023). However, similar relation was not found between 25(OH) D3 and total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and levels of PTH. On body composition analysis, there was no correlation of 25(OH) cholecalciferol with body mass index or fat mass index.

This study showed that in lean young male population, 25(OH) cholecalciferol and FBG are inversely correlated but no association of 25(OH) D3 with other cardiometabolic risk factors could be demonstrated.