Vitamin D Supplementation in An Area Exposed to Intense Sunlight During Pregnancy: Is It Really Need?

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to investigate the effect of vitamin-D (vit-D) intake during pregnancy on maternal and fetal serum 25-OHvitD (25-hydroxy vitamin-D) levels and perinatal outcomes in a region exposed to intense sunlight. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 192 pregnant women using vit-D and 188 pregnant women not using vit-D were included in the study. Results: Parathyroid hormone level, neonatal respiratory support need and incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus were lower in the Vit-D user group, but vit- D and calcium levels were higher. Conclusion: Although the use of 500 IU / day vit-D slightly improves the results, even in areas with high exposure to sunlight, higher doses of vit-D support are needed to improve perinatal outcomes and blood values.