Vitamin D status and its predictive factors in pregnancy in 2 Australian populations

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2011 Aug;51(4):353-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2011.01313.x. Epub 2011 May 18.

Abstract

Background: High prevalence rates of suboptimal vitamin D levels have been observed in women who are not considered 'at risk'. The effect of behavioural factors such as sun exposure, attire, sunscreen use and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D levels in pregnancy is unknown.

Aim: To determine prevalence and predictive factors of suboptimal vitamin D levels in 2 antenatal clinics in Australia--Campbelltown, NSW and Canberra, ACT.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of pregnant women was performed with a survey of demographic and behavioural factors and a mid-pregnancy determination of maternal vitamin D levels.

Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (≤25 nmol/L) and insufficiency (26-50 nmol/L) was 35% in Canberra (n=100) and 25.7% in Campbelltown (n=101). The majority of participants with suboptimal D levels had vitamin D insufficiency. Among the vitamin D-deficient women, 38% were Caucasian. Skin exposure was the main behavioural determinant of vitamin D level in pregnancy in univariate analysis. Using pooled data ethnicity, season, BMI and use of vitamin D supplements were the main predictive factors of suboptimal vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation at 500 IU/day was inadequate to prevent insufficiency.

Conclusions: Behavioural factors were not as predictive as ethnicity, season and BMI. As most participants had one of the predictive risk factors for suboptimal vitamin D, a case could be made for universal supplementation with a higher dose of vitamin D in pregnancy and continued targeted screening of the women at highest risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Supplements / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Welfare
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Sunlight
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology*
  • White People
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Vitamin D