Obesity Can Lead to Vitamin D Deficiency

LONDONObesity and vitamin D status are known to be associated, and a new study published in the journal PLoS Medicine found obesity can lead to a lack of vitamin D circulating in the body. The findings suggest efforts to tackle obesity also may help reduce levels of vitamin D deficiency among the population.

Researchers at University College Londons Institute of Child Health (ICH) sought to establish whether a lack of vitamin D triggers a weight gain or whether obesity leads to the deficiency. They used genetic markers derived from an analysis of 21 adult cohort groups (up to 42,000 participants) to explore the link between body mass index (BMI) and genes associated with the synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D. Associations between vitamin D and BMI were further confirmed using data from another genetic consortium with more than 123,000 participants.

They found that a 10% rise in BMI was linked to a 4% drop in concentrations of vitamin D in the body. Overall, the findings suggest a higher BMI leads to lower levels of available vitamin D, while the effect of a lack of vitamin D on BMI appears to be very small. The association between obesity and vitamin D status was consistent between genders, being apparent both in men and in women, and in younger and older age groups.

Vitamin D deficiency is a growing public health concern, and there is evidence that vitamin D metabolism, storage and action both influence and are influenced by adiposity or body fat. Overall, the findings suggest that although increases in vitamin D are not likely to help with weight regulation, increased risk of vitamin D deficiency could contribute to the adverse health effects associated with obesity.

Our study highlights the importance of monitoring and treating vitamin D deficiency in people who are overweight or obese, in order to alleviate adverse health effects caused by a lack of vitamin D," the researchers said.

A 2011 study published in the journal Diabetes Care found the combination of abdominal obesity and vitamin D deficiency may put people at even greater risk of insulin resistance than either factor alone. They found obese individuals who had healthy levels of vitamin D had insulin resistance almost 20 times more often than the overall study population. But in obese individuals whose serum vitamin D was low, insulin resistance was much higherabout 32 times more common than the average.

For more information about vitamin D and its crucial role in nutrition, check out the Slide Show: Vitamin DIlluminating the Sunshine Vitamin on Food Product Design.