Deficiency of vitamin D in most common complications of pregnancy and periodontal disease in pregnant women - a review

Aim: To provide a review of the role of deficiency of vitamin D in most common complications of pregnancy and periodontal disease in pregnant women. Materials & methods: This review is based on systematic reviews (when available) and comparative human studies.Results: Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among pregnant women from many regions of the world.1,25(OH)2D exerts an inhibitory effect on the hormones and inflammatory cytokines that play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and preterm labor.Periodontal disease is another factor associated with unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.Periodontal disease is a persistent source of bacterial infection that can induce systemic inflammation, which in turn, exacerbates the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.Although underlying mechanisms of these processes are not fully understood, a common element in their pathomechanisms may also be the deficiency of vitamin D. Conclusions:Given the role of vitamin D in inflammatory response and maintaining the integrity of innate immune response, its supplementation might improve maternal oral health.Physicians who provide obstetric care should be aware of the possible link between poor dental health and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.However, the relationship between maternal vitamin D status, periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes requires more research before definitive conclusions can be made.Available data imply that improvement of vitamin D status might be an intervention to improve oral health in a vulnerable group, such as pregnant women.