Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Correlation between Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Adolescents from the Minority Communities in Olmsted County

Seema Kumar, M.D.

Consultant, Pediatric Endocrinology
Rochester campus of Mayo Clinic

Abstract

Background: The problem of childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Observational studies suggest associations between low vitamin D status and high plasma glucose and low HDL cholesterol. African American and Hispanic children are at a particularly higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, obesity and type 2 diabetes. There is paucity of data on the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in these children living in the Midwest.

Hypotheses: We hypothesize that vitamin D insufficiency, abnormal glucose and cholesterol levels are extremely common in African American and Hispanic adolescents residing in the Midwest. We also hypothesize that the levels of 25(OH)D correlate inversely with blood glucose and with total cholesterol.

Specific Aims: 1) Determine the prevalence of abnormal plasma glucose, lipids and 25-OH vitamin D levels in adolescents from the Hispanic, African American and Somali communities in Olmsted County. 2) Determine if there is a correlation between 25(OH)D levels and plasma glucose and lipid levels in Hispanic, African American and Somali adolescents in Olmsted County.

Design: 150 adolescents 12 years or older (50 African American, 50 Hispanic and 50 Somali) will be recruited. 25-OH vitamin D levels, fasting plasma glucose, insulin lipids and C-reactive protein will be obtained once during the summer and once during the winter months. Multivariate analyses will be performed to assess for any correlation between 25-OH vitamin D levels and other end points.

Potential Impact: The outcomes of this study would contribute to development of guidelines for screening of vitamin D levels in adolescents from these communities.