Association of Vitamin D Levels with the Metabolic Profile and Sexual Maturation Stage of Adolescents

Abstract

The deficiency of Vitamin D (VD) is widely prevalent worldwide in adults, but many studies show that this deficiency also affects adolescents and may be considered a global public health problem. The VD levels are particularly significant in adolescents since it influences several aspects of growth, development, and puberty. During this phase of life, both girls and boys develop reproductive aspects, and secondary sexual characteristics and the adequate nutritional status appear to be the prerequisite for normal pubertal development. Due to the importance of VD in adolescents, the objective of this study was to investigate the association of the levels of this vitamin with glycemic, lipid, and anthropometric profile and sexual maturation stages of adolescents. Anthropometric (weight and height) and biochemical (fasting glycemia, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides) data and VD levels were collected in 67 adolescents. 66% of the adolescents showed VD sufficiency, 28% insufficiency, and 6% showed the deficiency. There was a significant difference in VD levels between the stages of sexual maturation for boys and girls. Overweight patients had lower serum VD levels. The correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between VD and fasting glycemia and HDL-c, but with no significant difference. A negative correlation was observed between VD and cholesterol, LDL-c and triglycerides, but also with no significant difference. Once VD is crucial for bone health, and as it seems it is necessary to the homeostasis of glycemia, lipids, and body weight, we suggest that more studies should be conducted to confirm the precise role of this vitamin in the promotion and maintenance of health in this population.