Habitual Calcium and Vitamin D Intakes in Pregnant Irish Women; Preliminary Data from the DMAT Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

During pregnancy, calcium and vitamin D are transported from the mother to the fetus, contributing to the mineralisation of the fetal skeleton and neonatal vitamin D status. The dietary requirements for calcium and vitamin D in non-pregnant adults have been extended to pregnancy, on the basis of insufficient evidence to support pregnancy-specific values(1). However, calcium and vitamin D intakes are low in Irish women(2) and there is currently no recommendation for supplementation of these nutrients during pregnancy in Ireland. The aim of this study was to describe the habitual calcium and vitamin D intakes among pregnant women in Ireland using data collected from women participating in the DMAT randomised controlled trial (RCT) [Nutritional Requirements for Vitamin D in Pregnant Women (DMAT), NCT02506439]. Participants (n = 100) were healthy Caucasian women who were having a low-risk pregnancy and receiving antenatal care at the Cork University Maternity Hospital. Dietary vitamin D and calcium intakes were assessed at baseline (