Vitamin D during pregnancy – Benefits and food

27 Jul

Vitamin D during pregnancy – Benefits and food

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin synthesized by the skin in direct sunlight and is also found in some foods. It is known for its role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous along with its connection to the immune system and medical conditions such as neurological disease, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is common in certain populations and is associated with various health risks.

Role of Vitamin D in the body

Vitamin D is a hormone that the body naturally synthesizes and is also consumed as a nutrient from limited food sources. Vitamin D plays a critical role by promoting calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining proper calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood, which is essential for normal bone mineralization. Without adequate vitamin D, the bones become brittle, thin, and more prone to fractures. Vitamin D is also involved in cellular growth, reduction of inflammation, glucose metabolism, neuromuscular and immune function.

Without adequate vitamin D pregnancy dose, pregnant women are at the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Since the recommended amount of 400 IU cannot be met by many women, vitamin D pregnancy supplements are prescribed in most cases to build enough of the vitamin in the body for both the mother and the baby.

Benefits of vitamin D

Here are some of the pregnancy vitamin D benefits:

Protects from Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths. Pregnancy vitamin D deficiency has been associated with the disorder, especially in women who have gestational diabetes. There is evidence to support that supplementation of vitamin D can offer protection from preeclampsia.

Lowers risk of developing gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It has been observed that lower vitamin D levels, especially during the first trimester, puts women at a higher risk of developing the condition. Sufficient vitamin D levels through supplementation and diet significantly improve the condition by stabilizing blood sugar and insulin levels.

Reduces the need for cesarean section

There is an established relationship between poor muscular performance and deficiency of vitamin D. One study examined the relationship between cesarean section and vitamin D deficiency and found an inverse relationship between the two. Women who had a vitamin D deficiency were twice as likely to deliver through cesarean section.

Reduces Preterm birth

Preterm birth is a significant contributor to infant mortality and an important problem in modern obstetrics. Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are classified as preterm birth. Preterm birth brings with it a range of chronic health issues. Higher vitamin D is shown by research to reduce the risk of preterm birth.

Foods Rich in Vitamin D

Oily fishes such as Salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring
Red meat
Eggs
Fortified cereals
Fortified dairy products

Conclusion

Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin in the presence of sunlight. However, it is mostly consumed in the form of supplements as pregnant women have a higher need for the vitamin. It has a range of health benefits for pregnant women, such as avoiding preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes.

References:

https://www.who.int/elena/titles/vitamind_supp_pregnancy/en/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171878/#ref10

https://www.cochrane.org/CD008873/PREG_vitamin-d-supplementation-beneficial-or-harmful-women-during-pregnancy

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/vitamin-d-and-pregnancy-4915/

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/