The Relationship between Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Birjand Children, East of Iran

Abstract

<strong><em>Background: </em></strong>Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an important risk factor that is associated with vitamin D deficiency, according to recent studies. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and risk of metabolic syndrome in children in Birjand. <br/><strong><em>Materials and Methods: </em></strong>A case-control study on 6 to 18 years old metabolic syndrome patients, this investigation was performed in Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Research Center. Thirty six children were enrolled in a non-random sampling manner, and the data were analyzed using SPSS-13 using independent t-test and chi square. <br/><strong><em>Results</em></strong><strong>: </strong>A total of 36 children entered the study (n=18 per group). The mean serum levels of vitamin D in metabolic and non-metabolic groups was 11.61±3.79 and 14.09±6.41 ng/ml (P>0.05), respectively. The mean serum levels of vitamin D in the group with normal and abnormal triglyceride levels were 11.05±3.80 and 14.65±6.12 ng/ml, respectively (P<0.05). <br/><strong><em>Conclusion</em></strong>: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among children was high. Also, no association was found between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrom. Controlled longitudinal studies are needed to better define the relationship between vitamin D status and pediatric metabolic syndrome.