Serum Levels of Vitamin D, Retinol, Zinc and CRP in Relation To Obesity Among Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between serum micronutrients (vitamin D, retinol, Zinc ), C-reactive protein (CRP) and obesity among children and adolescents. Methods: Weight and height were measured and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, serum retinol, serum Zinc and CRP were measured in 2818 children and adolescents(6-17 years of age), using the data of 10 investigation sites in Zhejiang Province. The difference of micronutrients (vitamin D, retinol, zinc), CRP among different BMI status were explored by ANOVA and chi-square test. The associated factors of micronutrients and CRP of overweight and obesity were explored by multifactor analysis.Results: There were significant differences between male students and female students on BMI, 25(OH)D3, CRP, and there were significant differences between children and adolescents and between students living in urban area and rural area on BMI, 25(OH)D3, retinol, zinc(p < 0.05). There were significant differences on 25(OH)D3 and CRP level, and on retinol level among children and adolescents with different nutritional conditions (p < 0.05). In multifactor analysis, we found that gender(OR=0.626, 95%CI:0.486-0.806), living area (OR=0.666, 95%CI:0.515-0.860), age group(OR=0.894, 95%CI:0.856-0.934), high CRP concentration (OR=1.084,95%CI:1.046-1.122) and appropriate retinol level (OR=1.536, 95%CI:1.185-1.991) were associated with students with obesity. Conclusion: Gender, living area, age group, CRP concentration and vitamin A status were associated with children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. More attention in the intervention of overweight and obesity should be paid to boys living in urban areas, and high serum CRP and retinol level should also be concerned.