DALLAS—Poor dietary habits, such as skipping breakfast and increased soda and juice intake, are associated with the lower vitamin D levels seen in obese children, which significantly increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
Researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center compared the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in obese and non-overweight children in North Texas, to examine relationships between dietary habits and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in obese children, and to examine the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and markers of abnormal glucose metabolism and blood pressure.
They measured vitamin D levels, blood sugar levels, serum insulin, BMI and blood pressure in 411 obese subjects and 87 control non-overweight subjects. Study participants also were asked to provide dietary information, including daily intake of soda, juice and milk, average daily fruit and vegetable intake, and whether or not they routinely skipped breakfast.
They found vitamin D deficiency is common in children in northern Texas and is significantly more prevalent in obese children who have poor dietary habits, such as skipping breakfast and increased soda and juice intake. Lower 25(OH)D level is associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes in obese children.
“Our study found that obese children with lower vitamin D levels had higher degrees of insulin resistance," the researchers said.“Although our study cannot prove causation, it does suggest that low vitamin D levels may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes."
