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Review
. 2011 Dec;18(6):371-5.
doi: 10.1097/MED.0b013e32834b0040.

Vitamin D requirements and supplementation during pregnancy

Bruce W Hollis  1 , Carol L Wagner
Affiliations
Review

Vitamin D requirements and supplementation during pregnancy

Bruce W Hollis et al. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2011 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The topic of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is very controversial. This review attempts to provide balanced knowledge with respect to this topic gained in the past 18 months.

Recent findings: Two recent reports, one by the Institute of Medicine, and one by The Endocrine Society are greatly divergent with respect to the nutritional requirement for vitamin D, as well as, the level of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D that is desirable. These recommendations will be discussed along with recent observational data and a recently completed randomized controlled trial dealing with vitamin D requirements during pregnancy.

Summary: Current evidence supports the concept that circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D should be 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol) during pregnancy and a daily intake of 4000 IU vitamin D3 is required to attain that circulating level.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

Dr Hollis is an academic consultant to the DiaSorin Corp.

References

    1. Mahomed K, Gulmezoglu AM. Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy (Cochran Review) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Chicester, UK: John Wiley and Sons, Ltd; 1999.

    1. 2010 Food and Nutrition Board Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium. Washington, D.C: National Academy Press; 2010.

      A report that is a guide for the food fortification industry. These guidelines should never be used for the clinical guidance of patients.

    1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D and fluoride. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 1997. - PubMed

    1. Hollis BW, Johnson D, Hulsey TC, et al. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: double blind, randomized clinical trial of safety and effectiveness. J Bone Mineral Res 2011. doi:10.1002/jbmr.463 [Epub ahead of print].

      This is the most comprehensive vitamin D supplementation trial ever performed during human pregnancy. It suggests a daily vitamin D intake of 4000 IU during the critical period.

    1. Obermer E Vitamin-D requirements in pregnancy. Br Med J 1947; 2:927. - PMC - PubMed