The Effect of Dietary Acid Load on Cardiometabolic Risk, Psychological Resilience and Sleep Quality in Adolescents with Obesity.

Objective: Mild metabolic acidosis may adversely affect cardiovascular risk factors, and diet-dependent acid-base load may impair mental health and sleep quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary acid load on cardiometabolic risk factors, psychological resilience, and sleep quality in adolescents with obesity. Methods: 205 adolescents with obesity (105 males, 100 females) aged 13-18 years participated in the study. Participants' biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements and blood pressures were measured. Three-day retrospective food intake records were collected from the adolescents, and potential renal acid load (PRAL), net endogenous acid production (NEAP), and dietary acid load (DAL) were derived from food intake records. Psychological resilience levels of adolescents were assessed by the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-12) and sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: It was found that BMI, fat mass, fat percentage, fasting insulin, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, HOMA-IR and PSQI scores were significantly higher and psychological resilience levels were significantly lower in high tertiles of dietary acid load (p<0.05). Adolescents in the lowest tertile of dietary acid load scores had higher consumption of whole grains, vegetables, dairies, legumes, and higher intakes of potassium and calcium than adolescents in the highest tertile of the dietary acid load scores (p<0.05). Red meat, white meat consumption and sodium intake were higher in adolescents in the high tertiles (p<0.05). Energy intakes were found to be significantly lower in the first tertile of PRAL and DAL scores compared to the other tertiles (p<0.05). According to the linear regression model, an increase in NEAP, PRAL and DAL scores leads to a decrease in psychological resilience score and an increase in PSQI and HOMA-IR scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: High dietary acid load is associated with high cardiometabolic risk, insulin resistance, and low psychological resilience and poor sleep quality.

Beneficial effects of RESMENA diet on anthropometric, metabolic and reproductive profile in adolescents with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled intervention study.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal dietary strategy to improve the metabolic and reproductive endocrine profile in adolescents with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome is undefined. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the MEtabolic Syndrome REduction in NAvarra (RESMENA) diet versus a control diet based on American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for the treatment of PCOS in adolescents with PCOS. METHODS: A total of 40 adolescents diagnosed with PCOS between the ages of 13-18 years were randomized to either a RESMENA or control diet for 6 months. Dietary status, anthropometry, body composition, biochemical parameters, and reproductive endocrine hormones were compared between the 2 groups before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Both diet groups showed significant decreases in anthropometric parameters whereas the RESMENA diet provided a greater decrease in all these parameters except neck circumference and fat percentage (p<0.05). At the end of the study fasting insulin, ALT, and total cholesterol levels decreased in both control and RESMENA group, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and hsCRP levels decreased and QUICKI score increased in the RESMENA group (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the androgen levels of the control group compared to the baseline. In the RESMENA group, there was a significant decrease in total testosterone, free testosterone, 17-OH progesterone, androstenedione, LH levels and LH/FSH ratio and free androgen index and a significant increase in SHGB levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both dietary patterns resulted in significant improvement in anthropometric measurements and body composition, but the RESMENA diet showed beneficial effects on insulin resistance parameters and androgen levels.

The Turkish version of the problem areas in diabetes-parents of teens (P-PAID-T): Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the Turkish validity and reliability of the Problem Areas in Diabetes- Parents of Teens (P-PAID-T) scale and its psychometric properties for determining the parents' diabetes-related distress. METHODS: The study included the parents of 200 adolescents with T1DM for at least a year. P-PAID-T and a demographic data form were used for data collection. Davis technique was used for the content validity of the scale. The scale's reliability was tested using test-retest, and its internal reliability was analyzed with Cronbach's alpha test. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to analyze the factor structure. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the fit of the scale. RESULTS: 69.5% (n = 139) of the participants were mothers. Compared to the fathers, the mothers' mean P-PAID-T score was significantly higher. Parents of sons, who used insulin injections for their children, and had a college degree or higher education level had higher P-PAID-T scores. The test-retest correlation coefficient of the scale was 0.977. The Cronbach α value of the scale was 0.901. The results of confirmatory factor analysis were x2/df = 2.931, GFI = 0.736, CFI = 0.711, NFI = 0.628, NNFI = 0.660, RMSEA = 0.141. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of P-PAID-T was a valid and reliable screening tool for measuring diabetes stress in parents of adolescents with T1DM. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses could use the Turkish version of P-PAID-T to monitor parental diabetes distress and organize interventions; also Turkish P-PAID-T could facilitate research on diabetes distress for parents of adolescents with T1DM.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Parent Diabetes Distress Scale

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish translation of the Parent Diabetes Distress Scale (PDDS). Methods: The PDDS is a 5-point Likert-type scale with 20 items. After obtaining permission from the scale developers, the study commenced. First, a systematic adaptation of the scale into the Turkish language was performed including translation, expert panel review, back translation, and pilot study. Test-retest was applied to 35 participants. After these procedures, data collection was undertaken using the adapted PDDS and a demographic data collection form. The collected data were analyzed for reliability, including stability of the scale with test-retest and internal consistency of the scale (Cronbach's α), and validity including construct validity of the scale with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The parents of 210 teenagers, aged >11 and <18 years, who had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus for at least one year were included. Of these parents, 71.9% (n=151) were mothers and 53.3% (n=112) of the children were girls. The Cronbach's α value was 0.906. The results of the CFA were χ2/df=4.406, p<0.001, comparative fit test 0.704, and goodness of fit tests 0.749. The mean total PDDS score was 2.2±0.7. These results indicate that scores of 1.6 points or less was evaluated as "little or no distress" 1.7-2.4 as "moderate distress," and >2.4 points as "high distress". This showed that the majority of the parents in the study experienced moderate or severe diabetes-related distress. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the PDDS fulfilled the validity and reliability tests at an acceptable level.

Is blue light exposure a cause of precocious puberty in male rats?

Purpose: Our study aimed to examine the effects of blue light exposure on prepubertal male rats' puberty and testis tissue. Methods: Eighteen 21-day-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups consisting of six rats in each group: Control Group (CG), Blue Light-6 hours (BL-6), and Blue Light-12 hours (BL-12). CG rats were maintained with 12/12-hour light-dark cycles. The rats of BL-6 and BL-12 were exposed to blue light (450-470nm/irradiance level 0.03uW/cm2) for 6 hours and 12 hours, respectively. Rats were exposed to blue light until the first signs of puberty. The ELISA method was used to analyze the serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, DHEA-S, leptin, ghrelin, melatonin, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde. Testes were dissected for histomorphological examination. Results: The medians of the pubertal entry days of the CG, BL-6, and BL-12 were 38th, 30th, and 28th days, respectively. (p:0.001) The FSH, LH, and testosterone concentrations of all groups were similar. The FSH concentration increased as the LH concentration increased (r: 0.82 p: 0.001). The serum LH concentration increased as serum testosterone, and DHEAS decreased, respectively (r: -0.561, p: 0.01) (r:-0.55 p:0.01). Testicular lengths and weights of the BL groups were smaller compared to CG (p: 0.03),(p: 0.04). GPx was higher for BL-6 and BL-12 than the CG (p:0.021, p:0.024). Testis tissue was compatible with the pubertal period in all groups. As the blue light exposure time increased, spermatogenesis was suppressed, and capillary dilatation and edema in the testis tissue increased. Conclusion: Our study is the first to show the effects of blue light exposure on male rats' puberty process. And we showed that exposure to blue light and the duration of exposure lead to precocious puberty in male rats. The blue light exposure suppressed spermatogenesis, marked vasodilatation in the interstitial area of the testis, and disrupted the integrity of the basement membrane. These findings intensified with increasing exposure time.

Effects of Blue Light on Puberty and Ovary in Female Rats

Objective: This study was designed to examine the effect of blue light exposure and exposure time on puberty in an animal model. Methods: Eighteen 21-day-old female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three equal groups which were: control group (CG); blue light-6 hours (BL-6); and blue light-12 hours (BL-12). CG rats were maintained with 12/12-hour light-dark cycles. The animals in BL-6 and BL-12 were exposed to blue light of wavelength 450-470 nm and intensity of 0.03 uW/cm2 for 6 and 12 hours, respectively. Exposure to blue light continued until the first signs of puberty. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), leptin and melatonin were measured. Subsequently the ovaries and uterus were examined histomorphologically. Results: The median day of puberty start was 38, 32 and 30 for the CG, BL-6, and BL-12 groups, respectively (p=0.001). FSH, testosterone, DHEA-S, and leptin concentrations of all groups were similar. However, LH and estradiol concentrations in BL-6 were higher compared to CG (p=0.02). There was a negative correlation between blue light exposure, exposure time, and melatonin concentrations (r=-0.537, p=0.048). Ovarian tissue was compatible with puberty in all groups. As blue light exposure time increased, capillary dilatation and edema in the ovarian tissue increased. Prolonged exposure was associated with polycystic ovary-like (PCO) morphological changes and apoptosis in granulosa cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that exposure to blue light and the duration of exposure induced earlier puberty in female rats. As the duration of blue light exposure increased, PCO-like inflammation, and apoptosis were detected in the ovaries.

The relationship between alexithymia, health literacy, and diet quality in obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Alexithymia and low health literacy are the barriers of self-management. This study aims to examine the relationship between alexithymia, health literacy and diet quality in obese adolescents, and their effects on anthropometric and biochemical markers. METHODS: The 20-item Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS-20) was used to determine the alexithymic traits of the adolescents, and "The Newest Vital Sign" (NVS) scales were used to determine their health literacy levels. Diet quality was evaluated with the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010). RESULTS: 39.7% of the obese adolescents were alexithymic, and 69.4% of alexithymics and 35.1% of non-alexithymics had metabolic syndrome. Alexithymic adolescents were lack of adequate health literacy. There were positive correlations between alexithymia scores and insulin, triglyceride, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, and all anthropometric values except height (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between alexithymia scores and health literacy scores (p<0.05). There were negative correlations between health literacy and alexithymia scores, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, ALT, systolic, diastolic blood pressure levels and all anthropometric values except height, and positive correlation was observed between health literacy scores and diet quality (p<0.05). Total HEI score was negatively correlated with waist circumference, neck circumference, body weight, BMI, triglyceride, AST, ALT, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and positively correlated with health literacy and HDL levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As alexithymia severity increased in obese adolescents, the degree of obesity and the incidence of metabolic syndrome increased while the level of health literacy decreased. The increase in health literacy levels, on the other hand, decreased the level of alexithymia and increased the quality of the diet.

A cross-sectional study on the correlates of food addiction symptoms in adolescents seeking treatment for obesity: eating attitudes and gender differences.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Multidisciplinary approach including psychiatric support, have come to the fore in the treatment of obesity. Food addiction and disordered eating behaviors are among major psychiatric problems that have important effects on both clinical manifestation and response to treatment. This study aimed to investigate correlates of food addiction among adolescents who are seeking treatment for obesity. METHOD: This study included 126 adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age, 48 patients in the "study group" who are seeking treatment for obesity (BMI for age greater than 95th percentile) and 78 adolescents (BMI for age under 85th percentile) in the "control group" who were reached via online survey. All participants were requested to complete self-report based measurement tools of Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and Eating Attitude Test-40 (EAT-40). RESULTS: 47.9% adolescents (n = 23) in the study group met food addiction diagnosis according to diagnostic evaluation of YFAS; which was significantly higher than 5.1% (n = 4) adolescents in the control group (p < 0.001). EAT-40 total scores and the scores in subscales of "anxiety of gaining weight," "dieting," and "thin body preoccupation" were significantly higher in the study group. Gender differences were observed when food addiction symptoms were correlated with eating attitudes among the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing to the controls, food addiction and disordered eating behaviors were more common in adolescents seeking treatment for obesity. Gender differences in the correlates of food addiction symptoms imply that different approaches might be needed for psychological interventions.

Catch-up Growth and Discontinuation of Fludrocortisone Treatment in Aldosterone Synthase Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Aldosterone synthase deficiency (ASD) caused by mutations in the CYP11B2 gene is characterized by isolated mineralocorticoid deficiency. Data are scarce regarding clinical and biochemical outcomes of the disease in the follow-up. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the growth and steroid profiles of patients with ASD at the time of diagnosis and after discontinuation of treatment. DESIGN AND METHOD: Children with clinical diagnosis of ASD were included in a multicenter study. Growth and treatment characteristics were recorded. Plasma adrenal steroids were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Genetic diagnosis was confirmed by CYP11B2 gene sequencing and in silico analyses. RESULTS: Sixteen patients from 12 families were included (8 females; median age at presentation: 3.1 months, range: 0.4 to 8.1). The most common symptom was poor weight gain (56.3%). Median age of onset of fludrocortisone treatment was 3.6 months (range: 0.9 to 8.3). Catch-up growth was achieved at median 2 months (range: 0.5 to 14.5) after treatment. Fludrocortisone could be stopped in 5 patients at a median age of 6.0 years (range: 2.2 to 7.6). Plasma steroid profiles revealed reduced aldosterone synthase activity both at diagnosis and after discontinuation of treatment compared to age-matched controls. We identified 6 novel (p.Y195H, c.1200 + 1G > A, p.F130L, p.E198del, c.1122-18G > A, p.I339_E343del) and 4 previously described CYP11B2 variants. The most common variant (40%) was p.T185I. CONCLUSIONS: Fludrocortisone treatment is associated with a rapid catch-up growth and control of electrolyte imbalances in ASD. Decreased mineralocorticoid requirement over time can be explained by the development of physiological adaptation mechanisms rather than improved aldosterone synthase activity. As complete biochemical remission cannot be achieved, a long-term surveillance of these patients is required.

The effect of beta-glucan supplementation on glycemic control and variability in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate whether supplemental soluble fiber, oat ß-glucan, has any effect on glycemic control and variability of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This study was conducted in 30 adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and it consisted of three phases lasting one week. At Phase I, all subjects followed a standard diet program. For Phase II and Phase III, the subjects continued their standard diet program and added natural oat flakes containing 3 g/day and 6 g/day ß-glucan, respectively. Glucose levels were monitored by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The maximal, minimal, mean and daytime and night blood glucose levels, percentages of glucose values in a target range and below and above a target values were calculated for each of the phases. Premeal, postmeal, peak blood glucose values and peak times of meals were evaluated for each of the phases. Glycemic variability was measured via SD, CV, MAGE, IQR, MODD, LBGI, HBGI, and CONGA parameters. RESULTS: The maximal, mean and daytime and night blood glucose levels were the lowest at Phase III (p < 0.05). Minimal blood glucose levels were the highest at Phase III (p < 0.05). Phase I, II, and III showed similar durations elapsed for Level 2 and Level 1 hypoglycemia, euglycemia, Level 1 and Level 2 hyperglycemia (p > 0.05). Premeal and postmeal blood glucose levels were lowest at Phase III for breakfast, lunch, and overall (p < 0.05). The lowest peak blood glucose levels were detected at Phase III for breakfast, lunch, dinner and overall (p < 0.05). Phase III also showed delayed peaks for all time-points (p < 0.05 for each) compared to other phases. Phase III had significantly lower levels of SD, CV, LBGI, and CONGA levels than those in either Phase I or Phase II (p < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSION: 6 g/day oat ß-glucan have favorable outcomes in glycemic control and variability in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Increased Obesity Awareness and Adherence to Healthy Lifestyle-Diet Reduce Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Overweight Children.

Objective: Obesity is a common epidemic issue in all over the world. In order to prevent obesity it is essential to know about obesity and its detrimental consequences. This study aimed to evaluate children's awareness about obesity and to determine the associations between level of awareness, healthy lifestyle, dietary habits and risk factors for metabolic syndrome.Methods: Two hundred and thirty-six overweight children (119 boys and 117 girls) aged 10-14 years were enrolled to the study. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were taken and metabolic syndrome (MetS) definition were done according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) consensus and divided into two groups as MetS (+) and MetS (-). Obesity awareness scale (OBA) and Adapted Healthy Lifestyle-Diet Index for Turkey (HLD-TR) were performed.Results: Among children, the prevalence of having MetS was found as 26.3%. Obesity awareness and HLD-TR index sores were lower in MetS (+) group than MetS (-) group. Metabolic syndrome related biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements were associated with obesity awareness level of the children. The binary logistic regression model shows that a one-unit increase in the OBA index score increases the odd of not having MetS for 1.12 times after adjustments for age, gender, body mass index, and HLD-TR index score.Conclusions: Increased awareness about obesity among children will help to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in the future.

Novel Mutations in Obesity-related Genes in Turkish Children with Non-syndromic Early Onset Severe Obesity: A Multicentre Study

Objective: Non syndromic monogenic obesity is a rare cause of early onset severe obesity in the childhood period. This form may not be distinguishable from other forms of severe obesity without genetic analysis, particularly if patients do not exibit any physical abnormalities or developmental delay. The aim of this study was to screen 41 different obesity-related genes in children with non-syndromic early onset severe obesity. Methods: Children with severe (body mass index-standard deviation score >3) and early onset (<7 years) obesity were screened by next-generation sequencing based, targeted DNA custom panel for 41 known-obesity-related genes and the results were confirmed by Sanger technique. Results: Six novel variants were identified in five candidate genes in seven out of 105 children with severe obesity; two in SIM1 (p.W306C and p.Q36X), one in POMC (p.Y160H), one in PCSK1 (p.W130G fs Ter8), two in MC4R (p.D126E) and one in LEPR (p.Q4H). Additionally, two previously known variations in MC4R were identified in four patients (p.R165W in three, and p.V166I in one). Conclusion: We identified six novel and four previously described variants in six obesity-related genes in 11 out of 105 childrens with early onset severe obesity. The prevalence of monogenic obesity was 10.4% in our cohort.

Effect of Telehealth System on Glycemic Control in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: A close diabetes team-patient relationship is required for establishing satisfactory metabolic control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a telehealth system on diabetes control. Methods: The study was carried out between June 2015 and January 2016 at the Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology Department. The telehealth system was developed by the diabetes team. The demographic characteristics, frequency of use and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changes of type 1 diabetic (T1DM) patients using this communication network were analysed. Results: Eighty two patients [43 (52.4%) females, mean (±standard deviation) age 10.89±4 years] used the telehealth system. Fourteen (17.1%) of the cases were on pump therapy and 59 (72.0%) were counting carbohydrates. The individuals with diabetes or their families preferred WhatsApp communication. Whatsapp provided a means for instant messaging in most instances (57.3%), contact with diabetes education nurse (32.9%) and consultation with the diabetes team about insulin doses and blood glucose regulation (42.7%). HbA1c values after six months were significantly lower in patients/parents calling frequently (p<0.001) compared with HbA1c values recorded at the beginning of the study. Conclusion: Increase in frequency of counselling by the diabetes team led to improved blood glucose control in T1DM patients. A telehealth system is useful for early detection of the need for changes in treatment and for intervention. It also promoted better self care.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Hyperprolactinemia in Children and Adolescents: National Survey

Objective: We aimed to report the characteristics at admission, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cases of pediatric hyperprolactinemia in a large multicenter study. Methods: We reviewed the records of 233 hyperprolactinemic patients, under 18 years of age, who were followed by different centers. The patients were divided as having microadenomas, macroadenomas, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia and idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Complaints of the patients, their mode of treatment (medication and/or surgery) and outcomes were evaluated in detail. Results: The mean age of the patients with hyperprolactinemia was 14.5 years, and 88.4% were females. In terms of etiology, microadenomas were observed in 32.6%, macroadenomas in 27%, idiopathic hyperprolactinemia in 22.7% and drug-induced hyperprolactinemia in 6.4%. Other causes of hyperprolactinemia were defined in 11.3%. Common complaints in females (n=206) were sorted into menstrual irregularities, headaches, galactorrhea, primary or secondary amenorrhea and weight gain, whereas headache, gynecomastia, short stature and blurred vision were common in males (n=27). Median prolactin levels were 93.15 ng/mL, 241.8 ng/mL, 74.5 ng/mL, 93.2 ng/mL, and 69 ng/mL for microadenomas, macroadenomas, idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, and other causes of hyperprolactinemia, respectively. Of 172 patients with hyperprolactinemia, 77.3% were treated with cabergoline and 13.4% with bromocriptine. 20.1% of the patients with pituitary adenomas underwent pituitary surgery. Conclusion: We present the largest cohort of children and adolescents with hyperprolactinemia in the literature to date. Hyperprolactinemia is more common in females and cabergoline is highly effective and practical to use in adolescents, due to its biweekly dosing. Indications for surgery in pediatric cases need to be revised.

The role of DENND1A and CYP19A1 gene variants in individual susceptibility to obesity in Turkish population-a preliminary study.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common genetic variations in human genome, can manage the predisposition of certain complex diseases or situations such as obesity. Genetic polymorphisms also play an important role as they can impact a population's susceptibility to being overweight or obese and developing related chronic complications such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The present study comprised of 193 unrelated healthy volunteers (120 females and 73 males) with Turkish origin. Only female adolescents (n = 110) were divided into 2 categories according to their BMI values as overweight (BMI ≥ 25) and normal (18.5 < BMI < 25) according to WHO classification. Genomic DNA was isolated from venous blood samples and genotyping of DENND1A rs10818854 and CYP19A1 rs2414096 variants was performed on Roche Light Cycler 2.0 Real-Time PCR platform. Serum hormone levels were analyzed by Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA; Roche diagnostics). The genotype distributions were consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for both SNPs in the studied population (p > 0.05). The genotype distribution of DENND1A rs10818854 was determined for the first time in Turkish population and the variant allele frequency was found as 0.095. According to reduced sex hormone-binding globulin levels and increased free androgen index in the present study, obesity was linked with hyperandrogenism in female subjects. Both polymorphisms were investigated as potential genetic susceptibility markers for obesity and neither DENND1A nor CYP19A1 showed any associations.

Vitamin D status and premature adrenarche.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D, an important factor in calcium-phosphate homeostasis, has recently been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic conditions such as hyperandrogenism. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and premature adrenarche (PA). METHODS: A total of 71 girls with PA and 52 healthy girls, as the control group, were recruited. Axillary and/or pubic hair development before the age of 8 years was defined as PA. Bone age and anthropometric measures including height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), fasting plasma glucose and insulin were measured. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as <20 ng/mL. RESULTS: The PA patients had older bone age, higher BMI standard deviation score, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and androgen but lower 25(OH)D than the control group. HOMA-IR and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were also higher in PA patients with vitamin D insufficiency compared with those with normal vitamin D. There was a negative correlation between 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D is associated with PA; and insulin resistance may be a factor in this association.