Researchers from the Department of Community Health at the University of Calgary recently reviewed more than 30 studies to find a connection between vitamin D levels and pregnancy/neonatal outcomes. The review was published in the British Medical Journal.
Data was collected from Medline, PubMed, Embase, and other medical sources. Studies from 1966 to 2012 were reviewed. More than 3,300 studies were initially reviewed with 31 making the final cut. Researchers noted low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in women with gestational diabetes, small for gestational age births and preeclampsia. Bacterial vaginosis was also a potential health risk for pregnant women with low 25-OHD levels. C-section rates did not appear affected by vitamin D levels.
Conclusion: There may be an increased risk of pregnancy and fetal complications associated with low 25-OHD levels during pregnancy. Pregnant women with low 25-OHD levels require close monitoring for both pregnancy and fetal health.
Source: Aghajafari F, Nagulesapillai T, Ronksley PE, Tough SC, O'Beirne M, Rabi DM. Association between maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMJ. 2013 Mar 26;346:f1169. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f1169.
