Prevalence of Vitamin D and Calcium Deficiency and Insufficiency in Women of Childbearing Age and Associated Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as well as low serum calcium levels can trigger negative health outcomes in women of childbearing age. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of serum vitamin D and calcium deficiencies and insufficiencies and associated risk factors in Brazilian women of childbearing age and to assess whether there are differences in prevalence according to regions of the country and the presence or absence of pregnancy. The systematic literature review was performed using the following databases: PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Cross-sectional, cohort, and intervention studies were included. Among pregnant women, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ranged from 0% to 27% and of vitamin D insufficiency from 33.9% to 70.4%. Among non-pregnant women, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ranged from 0% to 41.7% and of vitamin D insufficiency from 38.5% to 69.3%. We found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in women of childbearing age, with insufficiency affecting more than half of these women. The highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was observed in the South region. It was not possible to assess the prevalence and factors associated with calcium deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy: Evidence from a meta-analysis based on observational studies

“…Among the included studies, eight studies were carried out in North America 8 ( 11 – 13 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 23 ), 2 in Asia ( 15 , 20 ), 3 in Europe ( 14 , 18 , 22 ) and 1 in Africa ( 19 ). Regarding the study type, one study had a case-control design ( 10 ), four had a cohort design ( 14 , 18 , 19 , 21 ), and nine had a cross-sectional design ( 11 , 13 , 15 – 17 , 20 , 22 , 23 ). Regarding the adjustment for confounding factors, 10 were adjusted ( 11 – 13 , 15 , 16 , 19 – 21 , 23 ) and 4 unadjusted ( 14 , 17 , 18 , 22 ).…”

“…In addition, our findings are partly supported by a randomized clinical trial by Taheri et al, who reported that the treatment of vitamin D deficiency might eliminate asymptomatic BV in non-pregnant women ( 43 ). Thus, according to the recommendations from Institute of Medicine, pregnant women had better ingest on average 600 IUs of vitamin D daily and maintain the serum vitamin D at least 30 ng/mL ( 10 ).…”

“…Vitamin D not only plays a crucial role in bone development, but also in immune-modulation, which includes triggering anti-inflammatory responses, such as cathelicidin expression and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., IL-1β) ( 8 ). It was estimated that the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was about 30% in children and adults worldwide ( 9 , 10 ). Considering that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women worldwide ( 10 ), the role of vitamin D in BV risk needs to be examined.…”

“…It was estimated that the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was about 30% in children and adults worldwide ( 9 , 10 ). Considering that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women worldwide ( 10 ), the role of vitamin D in BV risk needs to be examined. To date, there are only a handful of epidemiological studies that have explored the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of BV in pregnancy ( 11 – 23 ).…”

Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

“…Estimates of the prevalence of VDD ranges from 24% (United States) to 40% (European Union) [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. It is now evident that, in addition to the musculoskeletal system, most tissues and cell types express VitD receptors and VitD, in addition to its role in promoting and maintaining skeletal health, confers complex health benefits in multiple organ systems, including the immune system and the cardiovascular system [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”