Relationship of oxidative stress to visceral adiposity in youth and role played by vitamin D

Background Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is a major cardiometabolic risk factor, associated with increased inflammation. Oxidative stress (OS) is also associated with inflammation and cardiometabolic issues, yet mainly through general obesity. Both OS and obesity were linked to vitamin D deficiency. Objectives To investigate whether OS increase is associated with VAT accumulation in youth, and whether in the presence of VAT accumulation, a higher vitamin D status is associated with lower OS. Methods One hundred and fifty‐eight youth with overweight/obesity, 7 to 17 years old, were recruited (Pediatric Clinic, Luxembourg). We assessed visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissues by magnetic resonance imaging, OS by DNA/RNA oxidative damage with ELISA and vitamin D by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Results VAT was the body fat compartment the most strongly associated with OS (RPearson: 0.298; P