Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Risk in Obese Children in Saudi Arabia: A Narrative Review | [Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Sharif: Department of Business, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11554, Saudi Arabia

2. Tasneem Rashed Adam: Dental Health Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia

3. Zainab Ali Alaraibi: ICU, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia

4. Ruqayah Abbas Abdulkarem Ahmed: Department of Rheumatology, Saudi German Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

5. Baland Mohammed Kordi: Family Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, 44321, Saudi Arabia

6. Faisal Aijaz Amin Shah: Internal Medicine, Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, 24235, Saudi Arabia

7. Mohammed Wadia Abumadian: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, 23523, Saudi Arabia

8. Ibrahim Taha I. AlFajri: Emergency Department, Al Jabr Eye and ENT Hospital, Al-Ahsa, 36342, Saudi Arabia

9. Amal Baalqasim Altayeb Sulaimani: Radiology, King Fahad Hospital, 42386, Saudi Arabia

10. Mohamed Ali Mohammed Homoq: College of Medicine, University Sains Malaysia, George Town, 16150, Malaysia

11. Mohamed Abdullatif Al-Dajani: Family Medicine Department, Primary Health Care, Dammam, 32241, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Background: Childhood obesity and vitamin D deficiency are highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia and increasingly recognized as interconnected risk factors for cardiometabolic complications. Their frequent coexistence may amplify cardiovascular risk from an early age. This review aims to summarize the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among obese children in Saudi Arabia, examine the mechanistic links to cardiovascular risk factors and situate regional findings within the context of global evidence. Methods: A narrative review was conducted of studies published between 2000 and 2025 using PubMed, Google Scholar and the Saudi Digital Library. Eligible studies included cross-sectional, cohort, case-control and clinical trials that evaluated vitamin D status in relation to cardiovascular risk markers among children under 18 years of age. Findings: Available evidence demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency in obese children is associated with dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, vascular dysfunction and early manifestations of atherosclerosis. In Saudi Arabia, deficiency rates frequently exceed 80% despite abundant sunlight, largely due to cultural clothing practices, limited outdoor activity and inadequate dietary intake. Local studies also highlight early indications of myocardial dysfunction and metabolic impairment among vitamin D-deficient youth. However, most investigations are cross-sectional, include small sample sizes and often fail to adjust for confounders such as diet and sun exposure. Conclusion: The combined burden of obesity and vitamin D deficiency in Saudi children constitutes a pressing public health concern with significant long-term cardiovascular implications. Policy measures such as incorporating vitamin D screening into obesity management, nationwide supplementation programs and structured health education campaigns are urgently needed. Future research should emphasize large-scale prospective cohorts, randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews to establish causal pathways and inform evidence-based interventions.

Page(s): 164-171

DOI: 10.47310/jpms2025140921

Published: Journal: Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences, Volume: 14, Issue: 9, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Vitamin D , Childhood Obesity , Saudi Arabia , Paediatrics , Cardiovascular risk , Cardiometabolic Health

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