The Vitamin D levels in pregnant women and their newborns in a region of Chile

Abstract

Vitamin D is crucial for biological functions and bone metabolism, being important in pregnant women (PW) and newborns (NB).

Objective: To determine the levels of 25 OH Vitamin D (25 (OH) D) in pregnant women and their newborns, and to explore the relationship in the dyad.

Patients and Method: Observational and descriptive study. 25(OH)D levels were measured in PW before delivery and in NB after birth. Anthropometric variables of PW and their NB were recorded, as well as nutritional classification according to gestational age of the NB.

Results: 172 PW and their NB were evaluated. The mean ± SD age of the mothers was 30.4 ± 5.9 years. The mean ± SD gestational age and birth weight of the newborns were 38.6 ± 1.1 weeks and 3434 ± 505 grams, respectively. The average 25(OH)D level in PW was 18.4 ng/mL, and in the NB, it was 16.4 ng/mL. 89.5% of the PW and 95.4% of the NB presented deficiency/insufficiency. A significant correlation was observed between the levels of 25(OH)D in the mothers and their newborns. There were no significant differences in 25(OH)D levels according to the nutritional status of the newborn.

Conclusions: Our study showed a high percentage of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in pregnant women and their newborns. A significant correlation in 25(OH)D levels between PW and newborns was observed. These results highlight a public health problem that must be addressed promptly with modifications in national guidelines for vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy.