Status of 25(OH)D levels in pregnancy: A study from the North Eastern part of India

INTRODUCTION: An increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been reported from across the globe including India. Various studies have shown an intrinsic relation between various parameters of maternal and fetal wellbeing with maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy. AIMS: To look for any association of vitamin D status during pregnancy with the modifiable factors - extent of sun exposure, sunscreen use, vegetarian diet, dietary calcium intake, and multivitamin supplementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 pregnant females, aged 20-40 years were studied during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fifty age and body mass index (BMI) matched females were taken as controls. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by radioimmunoassay (Diasorin). RESULT: Forty-two percent of the cases were found to have vitamin D deficiency and 14% were found to have vitamin D insufficiency, whereas 20% of the controls had vitamin D deficiency and 24% had vitamin D insufficiency (P =0.0375). There was a significant association of 25(OH)D levels with extent of sun exposure, sunscreen use, and vegetarian diet. There was no association of 25(OH)D levels with multivitamin supplementation or dietary calcium intake. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency was less in our study group as compared with that reported in other Indian studies. Sun exposure, sunscreen use, and vegetarian diet are important modifiable variables significantly associated with vitamin D status in pregnancy.