The relationships between fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and childhood obesity risk.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the associations between serum levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and obesity-related indicators in children.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 208 children stratified into an obese cohort (n = 104) and a control group (n = 104). Serum concentrations of vitamins A, D, E, and K were measured via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS), a highly sensitive and specific method for vitamin quantification. Season of blood collection was recorded and categorized as summer/autumn or winter/spring. Age-stratified analyses were conducted to explore associations between vitamin levels and obesity indices, including BMI, body fat percentage, and waist-to-height ratio.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more prevalent in the obese group (62.50% vs. 28.85%, P < 0.001). Age-stratified analysis showed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with obesity in children aged 6-11 years (OR = 3.329, 95% CI: 1.618-6.854) and adolescents aged 11-17 years (OR = 4.890, 95% CI: 2.505-9.542).

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight a substantial association between fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and pediatric obesity.