Serum vitamin D and metabolic risk factors in a group of Spanish schoolchildren

To analyze the vitamin D status and its relationship with metabolic syndrome (MS) risk factors in a group of Spanish schoolchildren. A group of 314 Spanish schoolchildren (8-13 years old) from A Coruna, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Valencia were studied. Anthropometric data on weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and triceps skinfold, as well as blood pressure data were collected. Serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, HDL-c and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) were assessed. Following Cook criterion, the following MS risk factors were defined: glucose ≥100 mg/dL; ≥P90 waist circumference; triglycerides> P90, HDL ≤P10; and sistolic and/or diastolic blood pressure > P90. Mean serum 25(OH)D were 23.0±8.6 ng/mL. Forty seven percent of children had hypovitaminosis (20- 30 ng/mL) and 35% had vitamin deficiency (