Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and their offspring may result in unfavourable health outcomes for both mother and infant.
That is according to new research published in the journal, Nutrients, which highlighted the importance of accurate quantification of 25(OH)D.
The researchers explained that a 25hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) level of at least 75 nmol/L is recommended by the Endocrine Society. They used validated, automated sample preparation and
liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods to determine the vitamin D metabolites status in mother-infant pairs.
It was found that 63 per cent of maternal 25(OH)D plasma levels were less than the recommended level of 25(OH)D at three months. Additionally, breastmilk levels of 25(OH)D decreased from 60.1 nmol/L to 50.0 nmol/L between six weeks and three months. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between mother and infant plasma levels at three months. Accordingly, 31 per cent of the infants were categorised as vitamin D deficient, compared to 25 per cent if 3-Epi25(OH)D3 was not distinguished from 25(OH)D3.
“This study highlights the importance of accurate quantification of 25(OH)D. Monitoring vitamin D metabolites in infant, maternal plasma, and breastmilk may be needed to ensure adequate levels in both mother and infant in the first six months of infant life,” the researchers concluded. “Further studies on personalised supplementation with vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding are warranted.”
