Vitamin D and Toxic Metals in Pregnancy - a Biological Perspective

Purpose of review: To discuss the potential biological mechanisms between vitamin D and toxic metals and summarize epidemiological studies examining this association in pregnant women.

Recent findings: We identified four plausible mechanisms whereby vitamin D and toxic metals may interact: nephrotoxicity, intestinal absorption of metals, endocrine disruption, and oxidative stress. Few studies have examined the association between vitamin D and toxic metals in pregnant women. North American studies suggest that higher vitamin D status early in pregnancy are associated with lower blood metals later in pregnancy. However, a trial of vitamin D supplementation in a pregnant population, with higher metal exposures and lower overall nutritional status, does not corroborate these findings.

Summary: Given ubiquitous exposure to many toxic metals, nutritional intervention could be a means for prevention of adverse outcomes. Future prospective studies are needed to establish a causal relationship and clarify the directionality of vitamin D and metals.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40471-024-00348-0.