This review article highlights the critical role of vitamin D in maternal health, fetal skeletal development, and the achievement of optimal pregnancy outcomes. The authors report that insufficient maternal vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of multiple adverse outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth. These effects are attributed to vitamin D’s involvement in key biological mechanisms, including the regulation of cytokine pathways, immune system function, endocrine activity, and placental function.
Women’s Health
Relationship between Maternal Vitamin D Levels and Adverse Outcomes
Nutrients
Related Studies
Women’s Health
Maternal 25(OH)D concentrations >40 ng/mL associated with 60% lower preterm birth risk among general obstetrical patients at an urban medical center
PLOS ONE
This study found that maternal vitamin D concentrations greater than 40 ng/mL were associated with substantial reduction in pre-term birth risk in a large, diverse population of women. Women who had a serum concentration of 25(OH)D greater or equal to 40ng/mL had a 62% lower risk of preterm births.
Women’s Health
Maternal 25(OH)D concentrations >40 ng/mL associated with 60% lower preterm birth risk among general obstetrical patients at an urban medical center
PLOS ONE
This study found that maternal vitamin D concentrations greater than 40 ng/mL were associated with substantial reduction in pre-term birth risk in a large, diverse population of women. Women who had a serum concentration of 25(OH)D greater or equal to 40ng/mL had a 62% lower risk of preterm births.
Women’s Health
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Annals of Internal Medicine
In this study which looked at data from the Women’s Health Initiative, a 10 ng/ml decrease in vitamin D was associated with a 33% increased risk of hip fracture in multivariable models. Women with the lowest vitamin D levels had 72% increased odds of experiencing a hip fracture in comparison to women with the highest vitamin D levels.
Women’s Health
Serum 25 HydroxyVitamin D Concentrations and the Risk of Hip Fractures: The Women's Health Initiative
Annals of Internal Medicine
In this study which looked at data from the Women’s Health Initiative, a 10 ng/ml decrease in vitamin D was associated with a 33% increased risk of hip fracture in multivariable models. Women with the lowest vitamin D levels had 72% increased odds of experiencing a hip fracture in comparison to women with the highest vitamin D levels.
Women’s Health
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The Breast Journal
This study showed that there is an increased rate of breast cancer further from the equator where there is less sunlight exposure. According to multiple regression, UVB irradiance was inversely associated with incidence rates after controlling for covariates. They also found that increasing serum 25(OH)D above 22 ng ⁄ mL was associated with incrementally lower incidence rates of breast cancer.
Women’s Health
Relationship between Low Ultraviolet B Irradiance and Higher Breast Cancer Risk in 107 Countries
The Breast Journal
This study showed that there is an increased rate of breast cancer further from the equator where there is less sunlight exposure. According to multiple regression, UVB irradiance was inversely associated with incidence rates after controlling for covariates. They also found that increasing serum 25(OH)D above 22 ng ⁄ mL was associated with incrementally lower incidence rates of breast cancer.