STUDY OF VITAMIN B12, FOLATE AND ADIPOKINES WITH RESPECT TO INSULIN RESISTANCE (IR) AND ANTHROPOMETRY (BIRTH WEIGHT AND BMI) IN CHILDREN (AGE 10 – 20 YEARS)

Thakre R. R.*, Abhang S. A. and Naik S. S.

ABSTRACT

Background: Childhood obesity is set to increase phenomenally in India in near future. Birth weight a reflection of maternal nutrition and fetal programming, which may predict the cause of obesity. Micronutrients (Vitamin B12, Folate) and Adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) also play an important role in development of insulin resistance and obesity. The aim of the study is to evaluate the combined effect of micronutrients and adipokines on insulin resistance in Indian school-going children in the age group of 10–20 years. This study also describes distribution of micronutrient concentrations and it’s interrelationship with birth weight, body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance. Methods: A cross-sectional study involves a total of 200 school going children between the age group of 10-20 yrs. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, Vitamin B12, and folate were measured for the school going children and birth weight was recorded. BMI body mass index was defined as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR). Results: Birth weight was not related to folate concentration but inversely to leptin and insulin resistance. Obese Children had higher leptin, birth weight, insulin with lower folate, and adiponectin levels. Conclusion: Adipokines partially protect fat induced obesity. Leptin induces insulin resistance and inflammation. Insulin resistance, leptin, and adiponectin were associated with fat mass. Folate consumption protects from developing obesity and adiposity. However the relationship of birth weight and BMI with micronutrients and adipokines needs further evaluation.

Keywords: Adiponectin and Leptin, Vitamin B12, Folate, Birth weight, BMI, and Insulin resistance.