ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Introduction. Antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids have protective effects in obesity. Aim. We investigated the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids associated with antioxidant vitamins in obese children. Magnesemia and calcemia were observed in relation with other metabolic parameters, before and after the treatment. Materials and methods. 60 obese children were compared with 35 normal weight children. Each obese child received daily, one pill, containing: 130mg docosahexaenoic acid, 25mg of eicosapentaenoic acid, vitamin A 200μg, vitamin D 1,25μg, vitamin E 2,5mg and vitamin C 30mg for three months. All the participants were instructed not to change their lifestyle. Results. The serum values for these minerals and for 25(OH) vitamin D were lower in obese children. The obese children had insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and an imbalance of serum adipocytokines. In obese children, the body mass index was negatively correlated with calcemia (r=-0.34) and serum 25(OH) vitamin D (r=-0.33). The HOMA-IR was negatively correlated with magnesemia (r=-0.34) and serum adiponectin (r=-0.29). The treatment improved the mineral serum level, the insulin sensitivity and the adipocytokines levels. Conclusion. In obese children, the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids associated with antioxidant vitamins, for three months improved calcemia and magnesemia and increased insulin sensitivity.

Introduction. Vitamin D is involved in differentiation and induction of erythropoiesis in bone marrow cells. Aim. We compared the serum 25(OH) vitamin D level in obese children versus control and found correlations between vitamin D level and hematological indices in obese children. Materials and methods. 25 overweight and obese patients and 15 normal weight children were enrolled in an observational study . Results. In obese children, the serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D was significantly (p<0.04) lower (20.60 ng/mL) compared with the value from normal weight ones (25.63 ng/mL) and the body fat percentage BFP was higher. We found a positive correlation (r=0.44, p<0.05) between serum vitamin D and hemoglobin level and a negative one between serum vitamin D and the number of platelets (r= -0.43, p<0.05). Also, the serum iron was at the lower normal limit in the obese children and negatively correlated with the percent of the body fat (r= -0,62, p<0.05). Conclusion. Obese children have vitamin D deficiency. The hemoglobin level and the number of platelets are correlated with the serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D. Supplements with vitamin D may have pleiotropic effects, including those on bone marrow activity.