Vitamin D Supplementation in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Children

Background: Childhood obesity is associated with cardiovascular-disease (CVD) risk factors, an unfavorable lipid profile and reduced levels of 25(OH)D. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation may play a role in the assessment of the CVD risk factors in overweight/obese children and adolescents. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study involving children (9–15 years of age) with a known diagnosis of overweight or obesity (BMI > 25) and decreased levels of 25(OH)D (p = 0.009), LDL-C (p = 0.005) and ALT (p = 0.005), and an increase in HDL-C (p = 0.03). These results were confirmed when the correction for the body mass index (BMI) was applied. Conclusions: The favorable effect of vitamin D supplementation on the total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and ALT could transform these values into modifiable risk factors starting in early childhood, with beneficial effects on long-term health.