The relationship between chronic inflammation associated with obesity and vitamin D deficiency

Abstract

Obesity is characterized by an abnormal production of adipocytokines, generating chronic inflammation associated in turn with endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. On the other hand, it is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, thus establishing an inverse relationship between the plasma levels of this nutrient and acute phase proteins with low vitamin D levels, being able to boost the inflammatory response in obesity. In this context, the correction of poor vitamin D status could be an effective addition to the treatment of obesity; however, evidence of future trials that can support the regulatory effects of supplementation is required. The objective of this review is to analyze the existing evidence and establish the relationship between plasma levels of vitamin D and chronic inflammation associated with obesity. The methodology consists of a sensitive search in the PubMed and Trip Database, limiting the search to articles in English and Spanish published through January 2019. Priority was given to clinical trials, original articles and systematic reviews, from which other relevant research was identified.