Relationship between 25(OH)D levels and circulating lipids in African American adolescents

Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen among African American adolescents. Lipid levels during childhood are excellent predictors of adult dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. There is a paucity of data on the relationship between 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and lipids among African American adolescents. The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between 25(OH)D levels and circulating lipids in African American adolescents residing in midwestern United States. African American adolescents residing in Rochester, MN (latitude 44°N), USA, underwent measurements of 25(OH)D and lipids following overnight fast. Pearson's correlation test, linear regression model and scatter plots were used to explore the association between 25(OH)D levels and lipids. 25(OH)D levels <30 ng/mL were seen in 21/24 (87%) of the subjects. 25(OH)D levels were inversely correlated with total cholesterol (r=-0.42; p=0.040) and with non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol (r=-0.42; p=0.040). These associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, gender and adiposity. In the multivariate linear regression model, and after adjusting for BMI Z-score, each 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a decrease in total cholesterol of 1.38 mg/dL (95% CI:-2.63,-0.14, p=0.030) and with a decrease in non-HDL cholesterol of 1.14 mg/dL (95% CI:-2.09,-0.18, p=0.020). 25(OH)D levels were inversely correlated with total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels in African American adolescents residing in midwestern United States. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine if low vitamin D status in African American adolescents is a potential modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.