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Am J Perinatol 2025; 42(11): 1421-1424
DOI: 10.1055/a-2502-7295
Original Article

Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D in Pregnancy and Potential Benefits of Oral Supplementation

Gabriele Saccone
1   Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
,
Giorgia Buonomo
1   Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
,
Serena Guerra
2   Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
,
Doriana Gentile
2   Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
,
Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo
2   Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Funding Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II received a grant for a RN Research Assistant from ADL FARMACEUTICI S.R.L 07270281210. The funders of the study had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report.
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Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in a cohort of Italian pregnant women, and to evaluate potential benefits of oral supplementation

Study Design

Observational cohort of women with singleton gestations who were referred to our institution for first trimester prenatal visit. Screening for hypovitaminosis D was performed at the time of first trimester routine scan between 11 and 13 weeks of gestations. Women were offered measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D). Levels of 25(OH)D are interpreted as follows: 12 to <20 ng/mL: Vitamin D insufficiency; < 12 ng/mL: Vitamin D deficiency. Women with Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency were offered daily oral supplementation at the dose of 2.000 UI, along with folic acid. The primary outcome was the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in our cohort.

Results

During the study period, between January 2023 and January 2024, 250 pregnant women were included in the study and screened for 25(OH)D. More than half of the screened women had 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL, with a prevalence of <12 ng/mL of 14%. Out of the 140 (140/250 = 56%) women with 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL, 127/140 (90%) accepted supplementation with Vitamin D, whereas 13 refused the therapy for fear of teratogenic effects of the fetus. The overall rate of preterm delivery before 37 weeks was 8.4%, whereas the incidence of preeclampsia was 2.8%. Rate of preterm delivery was higher in women who did not received supplementation (9.5 vs. 30.8%), but the study was not powered for such comparison.

Conclusion

Hypovitaminosis D has high prevalence in pregnant women. Universal screening in the first trimester with measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) can identify women at risk that may benefit of oral supplementation.

Key Points

  • Hypovitaminosis D has high prevalence in pregnant women.

  • Universal screening with measurement of serum 25(OH)D can identify women at risk.

  • Oral supplementation can be recommended in women with vitamin D insufficiency.

Keywords

folic acid - hypertension - prevention - recurrent - supplementation


Publication History

Received: 14 October 2024

Accepted: 13 December 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 December 2024

Article published online:
21 January 2025

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