Vitamin D metabolism in normal and pathological conditions in pregnant women

Abstract

This literature review presents an update on vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D plays a key role in the regulation of calcium and bone metabolism. However, recent investigations have shown that the latter has not only «classic» effects, but also plays a role in the development of various diseases: cardiovascular, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and others. The sufficient level of vitamin D prevents many gynecological diseases and reduces the risk of joining the majority of gestational complications. The close relationship between the immune system and reproductive function and new evidence for the effect of vitamin D on inflammation and anti-infectious immunity open new horizons for investigations, in particular, to study the effectiveness of using vitamin D in pregnant women with vaginal infections.