Vitamin D Levels and Insulin Resistance in Children Born with Severe Growth Restriction

This study was designed to examine differences in serum 25(OH)D levels between small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) prepubertal children in correlation with birth weight and indices of insulin resistance and β-cell function. Sixty-five nonobese children were examined at age 5–7.5 years; 27 born SGA and 38 matched AGA. Body weight, height, BMI, and waist circumference were recorded and fasting serum levels of glucose, insulin, 25(OH)D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the β-cell function index (HOMA-β%) were estimated. The mean level of 25(OH)D was higher in the SGA group (26.2±10 vs. 17.2±7 ng/ml, p