Effects of maternal vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy and offspring

Abstract

Vitamin D is not only involved in its classic function in bone homeostasis,but also plays an important role in immunological regulation,cell differentiation and apoptosis,and nerve system development.The level of maternal vitamin D has a great effect on pregnant women and their offsprings.Recent researches have shown that preeclampsia,gestational diabetes,bacterial vaginosis and preterm delivery may be associated with vitamin D deficiency.Moreover,vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy could also lead to bone dysplasia,respiratory infections,asthma and some antoimmune diseases in the offsprings.Pregnant women take a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency,so it's necessary to supplement vitamin D properly. Key words: Vitamin D; Pregnancy; Offspring