Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy: the Mediterranean reality

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Aug;68(8):864-9. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.80. Epub 2014 May 14.

Abstract

Vitamin D status during pregnancy is linked to bone mineralization of developing fetus, which justifies targeting sufficient levels of vitamin D in pregnant women. Despite high level of sunshine in the Mediterranean regions, maternal hypovitaminosis D remain common in these countries. The aim of this narrative review was to provide potential explanations for this phenomenon in an effort to guide future public health policies and vitamin D intakes during pregnancy. We searched Medline for publications regarding hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy in the Mediterranean region. Available studies confirmed the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among pregnant women in the Mediterranean regions (50-65% in most studies), resulting in severe skeletal and nonskeletal health events among the offspring. Reasons for this may rely on maternal darker skin pigmentation, poor dietary vitamin D intake, veiled clothing and reduced sunshine exposure, health policies and increased prevalence of obesity. Public health organizations should be aware of this phenomenon and develop specific policies to prevent hypovitaminosis D and its adverse outcomes in maternal and neonatal health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clothing
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mediterranean Region / epidemiology
  • Obesity / complications
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / blood
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Skin Pigmentation
  • Sunlight
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / etiology*

Substances

  • Vitamin D