Are Indian obese children and adolescents at increased risk for Vitamin D deficiency?

Objectives: Obesity has been mentioned as a high risk factor for Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) requiring supplementation in Indian children. Material and Methods: Forty obese and age-matched non-obese subjects (age 5–18 years) were assessed for lifestyle parameters, metabolic profile, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). VDD was defined as serum 25OHD < 12 ng/mL. Results: Mean 25OHD was comparable among obese and controls (15.0 ± 9.95 and 15.1 ± 4.79 ng/mL; P = 0.97) with VDD seen in 82% of cases and 85% of controls. Pubertal cases had lower 25OHD values than prepubertal obese cases (10.78 ± 4.69 and 17.2 ± 11 ng/mL; P = 0.06). Mean duration of physical activity ( 2 h/day) was similar across prepubertal and pubertal groups and between obese and controls. Obesity was not associated with risk for VDD among cases and controls (odds ratio 0.83, 95% C.I. 0.25–2.7, P = 0.76). Conclusion: Obese pubertal subjects were more at risk for VDD than prepubertal subjects. Routine Vitamin D supplementation to obese Indian children may be considered during adolescence.