A recent study discovered reduced vitamin D levels during pregnancy may be linked to an increased likelihood of preterm birth.
As per research published in the Journal of Perinatology, scientists reviewed electronic health records from 15,506 women who gave birth between January 2016 and March 2024 and had their vitamin D levels measured during pregnancy.
The research was primarily focused on 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D, the main form of vitamin D used to assess vitamin D status.
Scientists discovered that increased concentrations of 25(OH)D were linked to reduced odds of preterm birth before both 37 and 32 weeks after accounting for factors such as maternal age, race and ethnicity, and insurance status,
Study author Anjali G. Borsum stated, “We learn about vitamin D’s role in bone health, but no one teaches us about the various roles in pregnancy, especially this relationship with preterm birth we are uncovering. I always tell my friends and family who are thinking about becoming pregnant to make sure they are sufficient!”
Women who delivered before 37 weeks had average vitamin D concentrations of 31.3 ng/mL, in contrast to 34.8 ng/mL among women who delivered at 37 weeks or later.
Among those who delivered before 32 weeks, the average concentration was lower at 26.2 ng/mL.
Scientists stated vitamin D may affect biological processes involved in pregnancy, including immune and inflammatory responses and placental function.
However, the exact mechanisms behind the association are yet to be studied.
The study does not prove that low vitamin D causes preterm birth. Because the study was retrospective and observational, further prospective studies and randomized clinical trials are required to determine whether improving vitamin D levels during pregnancy could minimize the risk.
Scientists further mentioned that vitamin D is inexpensive and broadly accessible; however, stated the need of more evidence ahead of clinical recommendations can be changed.
