Vitamin D deficiency and Metabolic Syndrome among Korean Adolescents: Based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (KNHANES)

Purpose: This study is intended to analyze factors of metabolic syndrome and vitamin D deficiency with resources obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) V conducted in 2010. Methods: The subjects were 870 adolescents aged from 10 to 18 who participated in the first KNHANES V. Secondary data analysis was done by Chi-square, ANOVA, correlation analysis and simple linear regression. Results: The influencing factors of metabolic syndrome were vitamin D, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, which were statistically significant. Simple linear regression was conducted to identify the influence of vitamin D on the factors related to metabolic syndrome, which showed that waist size (t=-1.97, p<.05), systolic blood pressure (t=-2.88, p<.01), and diastolic blood pressure (t=-5.72, p<.001) were influenced by vitamin D. In addition, each factor decreased by .131, .209, and .355, respectively, when vitamin D increased by one unit. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is a factor to be considered in order to improve adolescent health and form adolescent health behaviors. Schools, families, and local communities should cooperate with each other on the foundation of a regular health screening process and systematic health education programs. In addition, it is expected enhanced physical activities and sports club participation can prevent metabolic syndrome and increase vitamin D among adolescent.