[Unfounded recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in pregnant and breastfeeding women]

Abstract

In 2000, the Health Council of the Netherlands produced new dietary reference values for the intake of several vitamins, including vitamin D. These stated that pregnant and breast-feeding women without usual exposure to sunlight should consume at least 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day, while for women who were exposed to sunlight 7.5 micrograms daily would be sufficient. Because the mean intake through food is about 3 micrograms daily, the Health Council recommendations imply that all these women should take additional vitamin D. However, the recommendations are not evidence-based. Relevant clinical benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant or breast-feeding women, such as increased bone mass and a reduced fracture risk for mother or child, have never been shown and, given the robust capacity of the skin to produce vitamin D under the influence of ultraviolet light, are rather improbable. Therefore, the intake of extra vitamin D by pregnant and breast-feeding women is unnecessary if they are regularly outside with at least their face and hands uncovered.