Metabolic Syndrome and Hypovitaminosis D in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Determine the correlation between metabolic syndrome and hypovitaminosis D in children and adolescents. Data source: systematic review of the literature, PROSPERO registry: CRD42022353545, performed through the evaluation of studies indexed between 2012 and 2022, in the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases. Texts in English and Portuguese were searched for by the DeCS/MeSH descriptors “Metabolic Syndrome” AND “Vitamin D Deficiency” AND Child AND Adolescent. 163 articles were found. After analysis and application of the eligibility criteria, 30 articles were selected. Data synthesis: 28 were observational and 2 were randomized clinical trials. The samples ranged from 29 to 6589 children and adolescents and the age group between 3 and 18 years. A direct relationship between metabolic syndrome and hypovitaminosis D in pediatrics was identified in 15 studies. Regarding the components of the syndrome, 14 articles highlighted obesity, with a higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in obese children and adolescents. In addition, 10 articles observed an inverse relationship between 25(OH)D levels and glycemic levels. Finally, vitamin D supplementation was associated with improvement in syndrome parameters. Conclusions: Thus, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and hypovitaminosis D in pediatrics is evident. Preventive measures are necessary in order to prevent early and future cardiometabolic complications.