Small dose of Vitamin D supplement during pregnancy may promote fetal growth

A small dose of Vitamin D supplement during pregnancy may promote fetal growth, according to a new study.

Intake of right nutrition is important in every stage of life but it becomes necessary when a woman becomes pregnant. Vitamin D, though it does not fall under the category of prenatal vitamin, can be a boost to the growth of the baby if taken in a small dose of 1000 IU, suggests a study published in journal Bone.

Maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is common in developed countries. But its impact on the developing fetus needs to be investigated. If there is a link to suboptimal skeletal growth during intrauterine life, this may be associated with a raised lifetime risk of osteoporosis, as a result of fetal programming. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is an intervention that carries minimal risk and may be beneficial for the fetus.

Researchers from Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, performed a prospective randomized trial on 140 patients. The patients were categorized into two equally matched group according to age, 25 (OH)D levels, exercise, and dietary intake. 1000 IU per day vitamin D supplement was given to the intervention group while the control group received placebo.

The researchers then measured the crown-rump length (CRL) and femur length (FL) during the first trimester and humerus and femur lengths as well as their proximal metaphyseal diameter (PMD), midshaft diameter (MSD) and distal metaphyseal diameter (DMD) in the second and third trimester using ultrasonography technique.

No major difference was seen in the fetal CRL. The femur length in the 2nd and 3rd trimester was significantly high in the intervention group than the control group. Femoral PMD, MSD, and DMD measurement increased more in the intervention group in comparison with the control group. Also, the Humerus length of the intervention group as compared with the control group was significantly higher. Humeral PMD, MSD, and DMD measurement increased in the intervention group in comparison with the control group.

The authors suggested that clinicians should prescribe low dose vitamin D (1000 IU per day) from early pregnancy as it may boost increment in length and diameter of femur and humerus bones of the fetus.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient which uplifts bone metabolism by regulating calcium phosphate equilibrium. Prior studies have proved that Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy improves maternal vitamin D status and may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, low birthweight, and preterm birth but does it directly contributes to the growth of the fetus was unclear.

The study is an indication that a vitamin D supplement is equally important in terms of fetal growth and development especially in the population who face the burden of vitamin D deficiency.

To know more about the study click on the link

doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2019.02.022