A press release published on the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics (1) details a randomised controlled study (2,3) presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Canada which found that “Taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy is not only safe for mother and baby, but also can prevent preterm labor/births and infections” (1)
There was concern 50-60 years ago that vitamin D could cause birth defects in unborn children but the authors of the current research (2,3) emphasise that vitamin D is crucial for maternal and infant health. Vitamin D can impact bone health and immune health amongst other things. Readers of this blog will be aware that over the last two years plentiful research has been published about the health benefits of vitamin D and also worrying evidence that many of us are not getting enough of this vitamin for optimal health. The press release (1) talks about the recent studies which indicate that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is a serious public health issue. The lead author, Dr Wagner, the study says (1) “Diet doesn’t provide enough vitamin D, and we don’t go in the sun as much as we need”
In order to investigate vitamin D in pregnancy the researchers looked to determine the optimal dose of vitamin D supplements for pregnant women (2,3). Almost 500 pregnant women were involved in the study, they were between 12-16 weeks into their pregnancy and were split into three groups. One group received 500iu of vitamin D daily until delivery, the second group received 2,000iu daily and the third group received 4,000iu vitamin D daily until the time of delivery. All of the women were regularly evaluated to ensure there were no adverse effects. Dr Wagner stated (1)“No adverse events related to vitamin D dosing were found in any of the three arms of the study”. “VitD supplementation of 4,000 IU vitD/day for pregnant women was safe and effective in achieving vitD sufficiency. We recommend this daily regimen for all pregnant women”(2).
The researchers were also keen to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, infections, preterm labour and birth. The researchers write (3) that establishing what the optimal vitamin D requirements of pregnant women are is vital in preventing vitamin D deficiency and the health problems associated with that. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in decreasing pregnancy risks. Dr Wagner was happy to report (1) “The spectacular part of the study was it showed women replete in vitamin D had lower rates of preterm labor and preterm birth, and lower rates of infection,” The greatest positive effects were seen among women taking 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day and the researchers recommend this daily regimen for all pregnant women in their reports (2,3).
As mentioned in my previous posts on vitamin D there has, frustratingly, been no consensus over what the best does of vitamin D supplement is and what level of vitamin D in the blood is considered optimal for health. Many researchers suggest that a vitamin D blood level of around 45ng/mL is considered optimal. In this research (3) the scientists used a benchmark of 40ng/mL as being sufficient to protect against pregnancy complications and suggest that 4,000iu daily vitamin D supplement is necessary to obtain those blood levels.
Although these researchers are keen to recommend 4000 IU/day of vitamin D for all pregnant women it is vital that women NEVER self-prescribe supplements during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant please visit your GP or speak to your midwife about vitamin D supplementation. A simple blood test can determine the level of vitamin D in your blood. If this is below 40ng/mL you can talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplementation to increase your levels of this important nutrient.
(1)Press release. American Academy of pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/PAS2010/pregnant.htm. For release: Saturday, May 1, 2010. RESEARCHERS RECOMMEND PREGNANT WOMEN TAKE 4,000 IU VITAMIN D A DAY
(2) Wagner CL et al. [2630.7] Vitamin D Supplementation during Pregnancy Part I NICHD/CTSA Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT): Safety Considerations Sunday, May 2, 2010. http://www.abstracts2view.com/pas/view.php?nu=PAS10L1_2450&terms Platform Session: CTSA Supported Pediatric Clinical Translational Research (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
(3)Wagner CL et al. Saturday, May 1, 2010. [1665.6] Vitamin D Supplementation during Pregnancy Part 2 NICHD/CTSA Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT): Outcomes http://www.abstracts2view.com/pas/view.php?nu=PAS10L1_2481&terms Platform Session: Neonatal Fetal Nutrition & Metabolism I (2:45 PM – 4:45 PM)
Written by Ani Kowal
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