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. 2016 Jan 19:16:7.
doi: 10.1186/s12884-016-0796-0.

Vitamin D deficiency and supplementation in pregnancy in a multiethnic population-based cohort

Åse R Eggemoen  1 , Ragnhild S Falk  2 , Kirsten V Knutsen  3 , Per Lagerløv  3 , Line Sletner  4 , Kåre I Birkeland  5   6 , Anne K Jenum  3
Affiliations

Vitamin D deficiency and supplementation in pregnancy in a multiethnic population-based cohort

Åse R Eggemoen et al. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. .

Abstract

Background: To investigate ethnic differences in vitamin D levels during pregnancy, assess risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and explore the effect of vitamin D supplementation in women with deficiency in early pregnancy.

Methods: This is a population-based, multiethnic cohort study of pregnant women attending Child Health Clinics for antenatal care in Oslo, Norway. Serum-25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured in 748 pregnant women (59% ethnic minorities) at gestational weeks (GW) 15 (SD:3.6) and 28 (1.4). Women with 25(OH)D <37 nmol/L at GW 15 were for ethical reasons recommended vitamin D3 supplementation. Main outcome measure was 25(OH)D, and linear regression models were performed.

Results: Severe deficiency (25(OH)D <25 nmol/L) was found at GW 15 in 45% of women from South Asia, 40% from the Middle East and 26% from Sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 2.5% in women from East Asia and 1.3% of women from Western Europe. Women from South Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa had mean values that were -28 (95 % CI:-33, -23), -24 (-29, -18) and -20 (-27, -13) nmol/L lower than in Western women, respectively. Ethnicity, education, season and intake of vitamin D were independently associated with 25(OH)D. At GW 28, the mean 25(OH)D had increased from 23 (SD:7.8) to 47 (27) nmol/L (p < 0.01) in women who were recommended vitamin D supplementation, with small or no change in women with sufficient vitamin D levels at baseline.

Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among South Asian, Middle Eastern and African women. The serum levels of 25(OH)D increased significantly from GW 15 to 28 in vitamin D deficient women who received a recommendation for supplementation. This recommendation of vitamin D supplementation increased vitamin D levels in deficient women.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proportions of participants with levels of 25(OH)D 12- < 25 nmol/L and <12 nmol/L at gestational week 15 and 28
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a. Change in unadjusted mean 25(OH)D of Western European women at gestational week 15 and 28 - stratified for baseline levels (paired t-test). Women with <37 nmol/L at baseline were recommended 20 μg or 30 μg vitamin D daily. b. Change in unadjusted mean 25(OH)D of ethnic minority women at gestational week 15 and 28 - stratified for baseline levels (paired t-test). Women with <37 nmol/L at baseline were recommended 20 μg or 30 μg vitamin D daily
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References

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