A pilot study on 25-hydroxyvitamin D status according to sun exposure in pregnant women in antwerp, Belgium
Pregnancy, vitamin D, fetus, nutritional intake, antenatal care.
Published online: Jul 29 2010
Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency in utero or early neonatal life may have a major impact on children’s health. Little is known on vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in Belgium, non on the impact of wearing head and/or body cover.
Objectives: This was a preliminary exploration of the vitamin D status in pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic in the Antwerp University Hospital.
Method: From August 1 2009 until November 30 2009 we systematically
determined 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) in each blood sample
taken from pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic. We also registered
the degree
of head/body cover and inquired for intake of vitamin supplements.
Results: Our population consisted of 171 women, mostly primiparous,
of which 86% were not covered. The mean value of 25-OH vitamin D was 28
ng/ml. Non-covered women had a mean of 29,5 ± 12,2 (SD) ng/ml, the partially
covered group had a mean of 17,2 ± 7,2 (SD) ng/ml and the completely covered
group had a mean of 22,5 ± 12,9 (SD) ng/ml. The difference in serum concentrations
between the 3 groups was statistically significant (Anova, p < 0,00001).
There were significantly more covered than non-covered women with a vitamin
D concentration lower than 30 ng/ml (OR6.2; 95% CI: 1,8-21,7; p < 0,05).
There was no effect of gestational age, maternal age, gravidity, parity
and intake of supplements on vitamin D levels. There was a siginificant
seasonal effect from summer to fall, with Vitamine D levels lowering from
August to November (linear regression, p < 0,05).
Conclusion: Low vitamin D levels seem to be frequent and covered woman are at a higher risk of deficiency.
