Obesity is an increasing health problem with numerous metabolic complications. Vitamin D
deficiency is common in obesity, and in epidemiological studies vitamin D deficiency has been
linked to metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and
cardiovascular disease, as well as myopathy, osteoporosis and depression. In obesity, a low
grade inflammation is present in the fat tissue, thereby releasing inflammatory molecules to
the blood stream. In cell line studies as well as small clinical studies vitamin D has been
shown to have the ability to reduce inflammation and cell growth.
In the present study the investigators wish to investigate the effect of vitamin D on fat-,
muscle and bone metabolism. 30 healthy obese subjects will be treated with cholecalciferol
175 micrograms daily for 6 months and will be compared with 30 healthy obese subjects treated
with placebo.
The investigators hypothesize that restoring vitamin D levels in vitamin D deficient obese
subject will reduce inflammation and thereby reduce obesity-related complications.
The effect will be evaluated as follows:
- Levels of circulating inflammatory markers will be examined in blood samples collected
prior to and after treatment.
- Effects on fat- and muscle metabolism will be evaluated in fat- and muscle samples taken
before and after treatment.
- Effects on fat distribution will be evaluated by MRI scan before and after treatment.
- Effects on insulin sensitivity will be evaluated by hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp
performed on a subgroup of subjects with impaired fasting glucose.
- Effects on bone marrow density will be evaluated by DEXA scans before and after
treatment.
- Effects on quality of life and depression score will be evaluated by questionnaires used
before and after treatment.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Aarhus
Treatments:
Cholecalciferol Ergocalciferols Vitamin D Vitamins