Abstract
Background and Objective:Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is a worldwide problem. Studies have reported prevalence ranged 18-84% in pregnant women. Receiving adequate calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy period is necessary for calcium homeostasis, fetal growth and bone mineralization. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and their neonates in Shahroud city in the northeast Iran.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 284 pregnant women and their neonates referred to Fatemiyeh Hospital of Shahroud were included. Blood samples of mothers and umbilical cords were collected during the delivery and were sent to laboratory in order to measure calcium and 25-hydroxy vitamin D.Findings:Amounts of Vitamin D insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL) in (mothers, neonates) were found to be (60.2%, 48.9%) and (1.1%, 2.5%) respectively. Calcium deficiency (<8.5 mg/dL) was present in 33.5% of mothers and 25% of neonates. There was a weak correlation between maternal serum and cord blood 25-hydroxy vitamin D (r=0.12, p=0.053).Conclusion:More than half of the mothers and their neonates had some degrees of vitamin D deficiency. It is recommended to evaluate the nutritional status of vitamin D in pregnant women along with public health interventions to be carried out.
Highlights
Vitamin D is a steroidal prohormone, the active type which plays a significant role in absorption of calcium and phosphate
More than half of the mothers and their neonates had some degrees of vitamin D deficiency
It is recommended to evaluate the nutritional status of vitamin D in pregnant women along with public health interventions to be carried out
Summary
Vitamin D is a steroidal prohormone, the active type which plays a significant role in absorption of calcium and phosphate. It reaches the body through skin synthesis via ultraviolet rays when the sun exposure is adequate and can be ingested through food. It is vital to receive adequate vitamin D and calcium during the pregnancy for the fetal homeostasis, bone growth and mineral development (Cavalier et al, 2008). Receiving adequate calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy period is necessary for calcium homeostasis, fetal growth and bone mineralization.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have