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Review
. 2022 Jul 7;10(10):3230-3240.
doi: 10.1002/fsn3.2948. eCollection 2022 Oct.

Impact of vitamin D on maternal and fetal health: A review

Rizwan Arshad  1 , Aysha Sameen  2 , Mian Anjum Murtaza  3 , Hafiz Rizwan Sharif  1 , Iahtisham-Ul-Haq  4 , Sahifa Dawood  1 , Zahoor Ahmed  5 , Arash Nemat  6 , Muhammad Faisal Manzoor  7
Affiliations
Review

Impact of vitamin D on maternal and fetal health: A review

Rizwan Arshad et al. Food Sci Nutr. .

Abstract

The role of vitamin D in improving maternal health and reducing the risk of developmental disorders in fetus has been an important domain of research since the past few years. Vitamin D, owing to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, developmental roles, and regulating calcium homeostasis, is predicted to have a significant influence on maternal and fetal health status. Several observational studies and clinical trials, determining the impact of vitamin D on gestational diabetes, C-section, postpartum depression, pre-eclampsia, miscarriages, and preterm delivery, have been elaborated in this review. In addition, fetal birth defects including neurological development, reduced birth weight, respiratory infections, bone development, and altered anthropometrics have also been summarized with available evidences. Other important mechanisms related to the roles of vitamin D in the body are also explained. Furthermore, recent studies determining the effect of vitamin D at genetic level will also help in understanding and future design of research in the area of maternal and fetal health.

Keywords: birth defects; calcitriol; fetal growth; maternal health; vitamin D.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Mechanism for the activation of vitamin D
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Effects of vitamin D during pregnancy
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Role of vitamin D on maternal and fetal health
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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