Open Access Research

Serum 25(OH)D is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome risk profile among urban middle-aged Chinese population

Xiao Yin1, Qiang Sun2*, Xiuping Zhang3, Yong Lu1, Chao Sun4, Ying Cui1 and Shaolian Wang1

Author affiliations

1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong University Affiliated Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, China

2 Center for Health management and Policy, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China

3 Experiment Diagnostic Center, Shandong University Affiliated Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, China

4 Healthcare Department, Shandong University Affiliated Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, China

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Citation and License

Nutrition Journal 2012, 11:68 doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-68

Published: 9 September 2012

Abstract

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of chronic metabolic diseases. Limited evidence regarding vitamin D deficiency exists within the Chinese population. The present study aims to examine the association between serum vitamin D concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors in the young and middle-aged, urban Chinese population

Methods

The cross-sectional relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and indices of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors (e.g., body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, etc.) were evaluated in 601 non-diabetic adults.

Result

Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was present in 66% of the tested population, and serum 25(OH)D levels were lower in patients who were overweight/obese or suffered metabolic syndrome when compared to individuals of healthy weight without metabolic syndrome (24.08 ± 8.08 vs 31.70 ± 11.77 ng/ml, 21.52 ± 6.9 vs 31.74 ± 10.21 ng/ml respectively). 25(OH)D was inversely associated with waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and it was positively associated with HDL-cholesterol in a multivariable-adjusted regression model.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the young and middle-aged, urban Chinese population, with high prevalence in overweight/obese individuals and patients with metabolic syndrome. Low vitamin D concentration was associated with indices of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the cause-effect relation between vitamin D status, obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials (ISRCTN21527585)

Keywords:
Obesity; Vitamin D deficiency; Metabolic syndrome