The correlation between third-trimester maternal and newborn-serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in a selected South Australian group of newborn samples

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent in the community, only a few population-based studies have measured serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) levels during pregnancy and in newborns. Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been linked to pregnancy complications, as well as hypocalcaemia and rickets in the newborn. Here, the authors report third-trimester maternal and newborn-serum 25OHD concentrations in 101 neonates whose serum samples were sent for testing.MethodsThe newborn 25OHD levels were correlated with the third-trimester maternal serum 25OHD levels using a least-square regression analysis. All samples were measured using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Ten randomly selected newborn serum samples were also measured using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry LC-MSMS, and correlated with the EIA method.ResultsOut of 99 mothers of the newborns, only 19, 42 and 68 had their 25OHD level measured in the first, second and third trimester respectively. The mean maternal age was 30 years, while the mean maternal third-trimester 25OHD concentration was 48 nmol/l. Of the newborns, 53% were female, and 85% were term deliveries. The mean newborn-serum 25OHD was 68 nmol/l. Neonatal 25OHD was related to maternal third-trimester levels measured by EIA (r=0.3; newborn 25OHD=0.42(maternal 25OHD)+44.2; p=0.02). EIA and LC-MSMS concentrations for newborns correlated significantly over a range between 20 and 103 nmol/l by EIA (r=0.9; EIA=1.04(LCMSMS)+10.1; p<0.00 (slope); p=0.18 (intercept)). The mean 25OHD concentration in women who suffered pre-eclampsia and premature rupture of membranes were 45 and 39 nmol/l respectively.ConclusionsNewborn-serum 25OHD concentrations depend on the maternal circulating plasma 25OHD level at least during the third trimester. Neonatal 25OHD levels obtained by EIA correlated well with LC-MSMS. Although the EIA values for neonates were greater than LC-MSMS values, this difference was not statistically significant.

Impact of Micronutrient Status during Pregnancy on Early Nutrition Programming

“…While vitamin D supplementation is also recommended in groups at high risk of deficiency (such as veiled or dark-skinned women), there has been a significant increase in vitamin D supplementation in Australia, almost tripling between 2000 and 2010 [50]. Despite abundant sun shine, vitamin D deficiency is now commonplace in pregnant women [51][52][53] with rates of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D levels < 50 nmol/L) of 14-36% in studies of predominantly white Caucasian women [54,55]. This highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of the major contributing factors to vitamin D status in pregnant women to provide appropriate screening and advice around supplementation and aid in preventing vitamin D deficiency [55,56].…”

Breast Milk Additives and Infant Formula

“…There is a discrepancy between older studies suggesting that neonatal levels are lower than maternal levels [38] and more recent studies showing that they are higher particularly when maternal levels are < 50 nmol/L [41]. This discrepancy may relate to changes in analytical methods as some detect the 3-OH epimer which appears to be higher in neonates [43].…”

Hipovitaminosis D: una visión desde la clínica y la biología molecular

“…Finalmente, un estudio observacional realizado en neonatos ha relacionado la deficiencia de vitamina D en mujeres gestantes, con tasas más altas de preeclampsia, parto prematuro y diabetes gestacional, así como con hipocalcemia y raquitismo en los recién nacidos 45 .…”