By Jimmy Downs

Saturday Feb 16, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study newly released in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that taking vitamin D supplements may help obese adolescents who are vitamin D insufficient to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The study led by A.M. Belenchia from University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri and colleagues found obese teens with vitamin D insufficiency and insulin resistance taking 4000 IU of vitamin D3 per day for six months increased their serum vitamin D levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

Obese adolescents are considered at higher risk vitamin D deficiency because excess adipose tissue is believed to be able to sequester vitamin D leading to vitamin D deficiency.  And vitamin D has been associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus  in both adults and adolescents.

For the study, 35 obese adolescents at a mean age of 14 years who were visiting the University of Missouri Diabetes and Obesity Clinic were randomly assigned to take 4000 IU vitamin D(3)/day or a place as part of their standard care.

After 6 months, those supplemented with vitamin D3 increased their serum 25(OH)D concentrations and improved fasting insulin, insulin resistance index and leptin to adiponectin ratio whereas taking vitamin D supplements did not have an effect on body mass index, serum inflammatory markers, or plasma glucose concentrations though.

The researchers concluded "The correction of poor vitamin D status through dietary supplementation may be an effective addition to the standard treatment of obesity and its associated insulin resistance."

Insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Prediabetics who have insulin resistance may consider taking some dietary supplements in addition to vitamin D to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.  Studies found cinnamon and bitter melon and curcumin are effective at preventing type 2 diabetes.