Summary of latest information on Vitamin D and pregnancy/lactation

As you may already know, vitamin D is a hot topic in health circles these days. It has been discovered that few of us get enough of it, especially here in the northern reaches of the country! Lots of studies are being done on vitamin D and its effects on various aspects of health—it may turn out to be a big factor, because every single cell in our bodies has a receptor for it. And research is showing that it’s especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas, as well as babies and children.

Most people think “bones” when they think of vitamin D, and while it’s true that it’s important for bone health, researchers are finding that it does much more than that. Studies are showing that vitamin D deficiencies during pregnancy are linked to a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and insulin resistance. Vitamin D is also extremely important for the brain development of the baby in utero, as well as the development of the baby’s immune system. Another study found that women with lower vitamin D rates were more likely to have a c-section, though the researchers did not have a strong explanation for this finding. Talk to your doctor or midwife about your prenatal nutrition and whether he or she recommends increasing your vitamin D.

Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, so it’s a major ingredient in building strong bones. As babies and kids grow, they need to get enough vitamin D and calcium to prevent rickets, a disease of soft, brittle bones. Some studies are showing that infants who are breastfed may need additional vitamin D supplementation; these studies indicate that maybe not enough vitamin D is passed on to baby through breastmilk even if the mom is taking extra vitamin D herself. Breastmilk is still the best food for your infant, but there may be a need for extra vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about the best options for your baby.

Studies:

Kovacs, C. “Vitamin D in pregnancy and lactation: maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes from human and animal studies” 2008.

Lapillone, A. “Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may impair maternal and fetal outcomes” 2009.

Merewood, A. etal. “Association between vitamin D deficiency and primary cesarean section” 2009.