The Importance of Vitamin D in Pregnancy

JULY 2023
MERRION ULTRASOUND
T H E I M P O R T A N C E O F V I T A M I N D I N
P R E G N A N C Y

The Importance of Vitamin
D in Pregnancy
WELCOME
Discover why Vitamin D is
important in pregnancy and where
to find it.
DISCLAIMER
Please do not consider any of the
information provided here as a
substitute for medical advice. At all
times seek medical advice directly
with your own doctor and medical
team.
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INTRODUCTION
Nutrition during, and ideally before pregnancy, is of the utmost importance.
Vitamin D is most easily obtained from sunshine, which means that pregnant
women in Ireland are at a disadvantage in comparison to sunnier countries.
This magazine explains the role it plays, what can happen to your unborn baby if
you have a Vitamin D deficiency, and also what may happen to you during your
pregnancy.
Discover all the essential information about Vitamin D, as well as how much you
ideally need and where to get it.

AN IGNORED EPIDEMIC
A Global Health Problem
Did you know that Vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D) is considered to be a
global health problem, and has been labeled “an ignored epidemic”? (2)
Pregnant Women In Ireland
Not only this but according to a research study, which was published in the
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, pregnant Irish women’s intake of the
sunshine vitamin is far less than the recommended intake required for normal
development of their children’s bones. (3)

THE ROLE OF VITAMIN D
▪ Healthy bone development
▪ Good muscle function
▪ Healthy brain development
▪ Proper cardiovascular function
▪ A healthy respiratory system
▪ Strong immune system

VITAMIN D IN PREGNANCY
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, healthy cell division, and
immune function.
Vitamin D is vital for the absorption, plus the metabolism of phosphorus and
calcium.
Mums-to-be with a deficiency of Vitamin D may have a high- er risk of
preeclampsia and be more likely to develop gestational diabetes

VITAMIN D ATTENTION
The Relationship
As a fetus is developing, he/she is entirely dependent on the mother’s supply of
calcium. Vitamin D is required for normal calcium homeostasis and bone
mineralization. (1)
The Attention It Deserves
For a long time, Vitamin D was linked primarily to childhood rickets and
therefore it did not receive the attention it deserved in other areas. In more
recent years this has changed.

THE FULL STORY
During pregnancy Vitamin D deficiency can lead to reduced bone growth
◦
in your unborn baby.
It can also lead to poor bone development during early childhood.
◦
In severe cases it can cause childhood rickets.
◦
Your baby may be smaller than average.
◦
He/she may have a lower birth weight.
◦
◦ It has been linked to an increased incidence of diabetes.

THE FULL STORY
• Your child may be at higher risk to develop allergies.
• There is a risk of neonatal hypocalcemia.
• Your child may have a higher risk of schizophrenia.
• There can be a higher disposition to autoimmune disease in later life.
• There may be brain development issues.
• You child could be more prone to acute lower respiratory infections.
• There can be a higher risk of HIV transmission.

POSSIBLE HEALTH ISSUES
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cognitive impairment in the elderly
• Depression
• SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Various bone disorders
• Parathyroid problems
• Heart disease

HOW MUCH VITAMIN D?
The subject of how much Vitamin D is enough has been debatable for quite a
while. The circulating 25OHD concentration sufficient to meet the physiological
needs of humans is an ongoing subject of debate. (14)
Additionally, both our changed lifestyle and the risk of skin cancer have made us
less likely to spend time with our skin exposed to the sun.

VITAMIN D TOXICITY
Many people follow the recommendations to use sunscreen when they do spend
time in the sun, but this reduces the absorption of Vitamin D.
Also over the years, there have been scares regarding Vitamin D toxicity.
However according to the Vitamin D Council (4) you would need to take 40,000
IU per day for a good few months to risk Vitamin D toxicity or take a massive onetime
dose

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK?
• Pregnant women
• Those who have limited sun exposure
• People who are obese (11)
• People with darker skin
• People who cover up their bodies when going outside
• Older people who cannot manage to get outdoors enough
• Those who avoid the sun
• Living where there is urban pollution
• Vegetarians
• People who have conditions which affect their ability to metabolise Vitamin D
• Babies being breast-fed by mothers with low levels/deficiencies of Vitamin D
• Those living in Northern Latitudes, above 42º north –where endogenous
productions of Vitamin D ceases, from November until March

SPECIFIC IRISH MEDICAL STUDY
In 2011 a study, specific to Ire- land, was carried out under Professor Fionnuala Mc
Auliffe, at the UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science.
The findings revealed that pregnant Irish women have an average dietary intake
of Vitamin D that is 80% below the recommended levels. (3)

VITAMIN D INTAKE
The most effective source of vitamin D is sunlight: the body produces it in
response to UVB rays on the skin. However, the latitude of Ireland means the
rays are only strong enough during the summer months.
In Ireland, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D during
pregnancy and while breastfeeding is 10mcg per day.
Current recommended levels for the average adult: 10µg/d
The NHS in the UK recommends 10 µg/d- 10 micrograms per day

THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN
Often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is the one vitamin that
your body can make when ex- posed to sunshine.
You can also get Vitamin D from a limited amount of food sources.
Once your body has Vitamin D, it turns it into a hormone, which is sometimes
referred to as “calcitriol” or “activated Vitamin D.”

MORE THAN 200 GENES
This hormone is responsible for regulating the functions of more than 200 genes.
(2)
It is absolutely essential for growth and development. It works with calcium to
help the body build strong bones and to continue to maintain them.

VITAMIN D SOURCES
Food Sources
There are food sources that contain Vitamin D, such as oily fish, like sardines,
salmon, and mackerel. It is also in eggs and meat. Some cereals also have added
Vitamin D.
Sunshine
The best way to get Vitamin D without food or supplements is sunshine, but
obviously, in Ireland, this is not guaranteed.

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