Abstract

ASSOCIATION OF VITAMIN D STATUS AND ADIPOSITY: AN INSTITUTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Kumuthini Natarajan* and Dr. Anita R Bijoor

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in epidemic proportions in India. However, there is limited information of the association of vitamin D status and adiposity in Indian population. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between vitamin D status and adiposity and also with various socio demographic factors among people attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at St. Johns Medical College Hospital, Bangalore during the period December 2013- December 2015. Apparently healthy male and female patients aged between 18–50 years of age were enrolled in the study. These subjects underwent biochemical evaluation for vitamin D status along with a questionnaire to identify the socio demographic factors. Also their anthropometric measurements were taken. Based on their vitamin D status, they were categorized into 4 groups and their anthropometric measurements were compared among these groups. Results: Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 91% in our study group. Among the subject we studied, the mean vitamin D levels was 14.7 ±10.4 ng/ml. There was no statistical significance between of vitamin D levels and BMI, however, the distribution of severe vitamin D deficiency levels was more among overweight when compared to normal and insufficient groups. Interpretation and Conclusions: Vitamin D status is associated with many factors mainly sunlight exposure and age. Vitamin D deficiency was more in overweighed individuals and normal levels of vitamin D were seen in those who had lower waist circumference, but were not statistically significant.

Keywords: Vitamin D; BMI=Body mass index, adiposity.