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The relationships between fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and childhood obesity risk

Fang Zhou1, Xiaofang Li2, Li Zhu1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Zhuji, Zhejiang, China.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|June 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study found a strong link between fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and childhood obesity. Vitamin D deficiency was particularly common in obese children, increasing their risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Obesity is a growing global health concern in children.
  • Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) play crucial roles in overall health.
  • Understanding nutrient status in pediatric obesity is vital for intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between serum levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and obesity indicators in children.
  • To compare vitamin levels between obese children and a healthy control group.
  • To analyze age-specific associations between vitamin deficiencies and pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 208 children, divided into obese (n=104) and control (n=104) groups.
  • Serum vitamin concentrations measured using highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
  • Age-stratified analyses performed for BMI, body fat percentage, and waist-to-height ratio.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more prevalent in obese children (62.50%) compared to controls (28.85%, P < 0.001).
  • Vitamin D deficiency was associated with obesity in children aged 6-11 years (OR = 3.329) and adolescents aged 11-17 years (OR = 4.890).

Conclusions:

  • A significant association exists between fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and pediatric obesity.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is a key finding in obese children and adolescents.
  • These results underscore the importance of assessing vitamin status in the management of childhood obesity.
Abstract

Keywords:
childhood obesityfat-soluble vitaminslifestylevitamin Avitamin Evitamin K

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