The role of vitamin D in perinatology. An up-to-date review

Abstract

The role of vitamin D in perinatology is a subject of major interest in current medicine. There is growing evidence about the role of maternal vitamin D levels in pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature about the role of vitamin D in perinatology. Evidence from this review suggests associations between low levels of maternal vitamin D and higher risk of certain obstetrical complications. Vitamin D has been found to be related to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, low birth weight, and preterm birth. The current literature supports vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women, but more high-quality data are necessary. The problem that remains is how to achieve an optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. To determine the real benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy, we need high-quality trials in larger groups.

The Significance of Measuring Vitamin D Serum Levels in Women with Uterine Fibroids

“…Generally, vitamin D deficiency results from (1) low vitamin D consumption in the diet and low sun exposure, (2) the inability to absorb intestinal vitamin D, (3) the lack of biological vitamin D activation in the kidneys, the liver, or both [19,20]. Several consequences are associated with vitamin D deficiency including infections, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, different types of diabetes, neurocognitive or psychiatric diseases, cancer, or adverse pregnancy outcomes [21][22][23]. Additionally, recent metaanalyses showed that low serum vitamin D level increased the risk of all-cause mortality [24], while vitamin D supplementation might reduce the risk of death in oncological patients [25].…”

“…For example, some complications caused by UFs might be triggered by coexistent vitamin D deficiency and vice versa. In our opinion, fair evidence is available to support the need to monitor vitamin D levels in pregnant women who are at a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes [22,23]. Considering that UFs are also a potential cause of various perinatal complications, vitamin D screening in pregnant women with UFs might be justified.…”

Vitamin D Status and Pregnancy Complications: Serum 1,25-di-hydroxyl-Vitamin D and its Ratio to 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D are Superior Biomarkers than 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D

“…What optimum biomarker and cutoffs to measure?, and, how to determine the real benefits of VitD supplementation in pregnancy? 20 . Even implementing a personal physiological response-dependent VitD signature turned confusing due to varying physiological responses at same supplementation dose and increment plasma 25-OH-VitD levels 21 .…”

The Gestational Effects of Maternal Bone Marker Molecules on Fetal Growth, Metabolism and Long-Term Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review

“…One of these biomarkers can be considered vitamin D (or calciferol). Except for its pivotal role in maternal calcium homeostasis regulation and bone mineralization, Vit-D is involved in immunological, circulatory, neurological, and biological process modulation [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Maternal Vit-D also regulates endometrium receptivity and embryogenesis, while its levels are crucial for trophoblast invasion, fetal skeletal development, as well as fetal growth [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Except for its pivotal role in maternal calcium homeostasis regulation and bone mineralization, Vit-D is involved in immunological, circulatory, neurological, and biological process modulation [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Maternal Vit-D also regulates endometrium receptivity and embryogenesis, while its levels are crucial for trophoblast invasion, fetal skeletal development, as well as fetal growth [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Furthermore, numerous studies suggest that maternal Vit-D status is related with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), low birth weight, prematurity, impaired offspring neurodevelopment, neonatal body composition, as well as newborn long-term metabolic health [ 9 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”