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How Does Insulin Resistance Affect Vitamin D Levels in Obese Children and Adolescents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Childhood obesity is a growing global concern, often linked to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and vitamin D deficiency. Research suggests an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted on 100 children and adolescents (aged 4–18 years) with a BMI above the 85th percentile and vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/ml). Participants received vitamin D supplementation (50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks, followed by 1,000 IU daily for 3 months). Pre- and postintervention assessments included BMI, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels, HOMA-IR index, and vitamin D levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Following vitamin D supplementation, a significant increase in serum vitamin D levels (p < 0.001) and a reduction in BMI (p = 0.008) and FBS (p = 0.028) were observed. However, there were no significant changes in insulin levels (p = 0.143) or HOMA-IR index (p = 0.097). Post-intervention analysis revealed a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and BMI, insulin, HOMA-IR, and FBS. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation effectively increased serum vitamin D levels and improved BMI and FBS in obese children and adolescents. However, it did not significantly impact insulin resistance within the study period. Longer intervention durations may be necessary to assess potential effects on insulin sensitivity.

Source: Revista iberoamericana de psicología del ejercicio y el deporte

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17540454

Authors: Badriah Gharamah, Al Asmari, Najmah Ali, Eidah Alotaibi, Abrar Abdullah, Ali Alghamd, Assma Khaled, Salwy, Waleed Khallufah, Saad Qubayl, Mansour Hajed, Musheh Al-Harthi, Asmaa Salah, Ghmaird, Walaa Abduraheem, Abuharba, Abdulaziz Mashan, Almutairi, Khaled Hatem, Karir, Smaher Abdullah, Bahawi

Institutions: Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, University of Tabuk, King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, Ministry of Health, Imam Abdulrahman Al Faisal Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Vitamin D Research Studies

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7104272528

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