Vitamin D status of pregnant mothers and its effect on anthropometric measures in the offspring: A preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction: Many studies from the Asian region have shown the existence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant and breast feeding mothers despite abundant sunlight. Yet, we have little information on this topic in Sri Lanka. There are many skeletal and non-skeletal effects of vitamin D deficiency. Objectives: To investigate vitamin D status of pregnant mothers and its effect on growth parameters of the offspring. Method: We recruited 91 mothers who did not receive vitamin D supplementation during their pregnancy. 25(OH) D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase, calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels were measured during the third trimester. Weight, length and head circumference (HC) of the babies were measured at birth and at one month of age. Results: Vitamin D deficiency ( < 10ng/ml) was present in 18.8% and insufficiency (10-20ng/ml) in 47.5%. This study showed no significant correlation between maternal vitamin-D levels and neonatal anthropometry (height, weight and head circumference). Conclusions: A significant rate of vitamin D deficiency was observed in pregnant mothers. There was no correlation between maternal vitamin-D levels and neonatal anthropometry in this study.