Vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy
Citation: De‐Regil L.M., Palacios C., Lombardo L.K., et al. Vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD008873. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008873.pub3.
The evidence on whether vitamin D supplementation should be given as a part of routine antenatal care to all women to improve maternal and infant outcomes remains unclear. Supplementing pregnant women with vitamin D in a single or continued dose may reduce the risk of pre‐eclampsia, low birthweight and preterm birth. However, when vitamin D and calcium are combined, the risk of preterm birth is increased. Data on adverse effects were lacking in all studies.
Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is thought to be common among pregnant women. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy has been suggested as an intervention to protect against adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review examines the effects of oral supplements with vitamin D alone or in combination with calcium or other vitamins and minerals given to women during pregnancy, on maternal and neonatal outcomes.