In June 2019 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the association between vitamin D levels and insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in normal weight and overweight adolescents. A total of 79 adolescents (average age 15 years; 18 normal weight; 30 overweight; 31 overweight with pre-diabetes) were involved in the study. Body composition, insulin sensitivity and vitamin D levels were assessed. Results showed that the group with the lowest levels of vitamin D had a significantly higher percentage of body fat, lower insulin sensitivity and higher C-reactive protein levels than the individuals with higher levels of vitamin D. However, it should be noted that the effect of vitamin D on these biomarkers may not be independent of the effect of body fat.
Bacha F et al. Free Vitamin D: Relationship to Insulin Sensitivity and Vascular Health in Youth. J Pediatr. 2019 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print]