The anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D on offspring brain development during pregnancy: critical review

Vitamin D (VD) plays a pivotal role in fetal brain development by regulating essential processes such as neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Despite the critical role of VD in maternal and fetal health, studies have shown that almost 1 in 3 pregnant women in the UK may be vitamin D-deficient. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency (VDD) during pregnancy can lead to adverse fetal neurodevelopment, resulting in postnatal cognitive deficits. Although the mechanism by which maternal VDD affects brain development and function is unknown, there is growing evidence showing that there is an interaction with inflammatory markers. VD possesses well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, but VDD during pregnancy has been associated with increased maternal chronic inflammation, which can adversely influence fetal brain development. Animal studies suggest that VD supplementation can mitigate these effects, preventing or attenuating neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Although no studies have directly examined the combined effects of VDD, inflammation, and fetal brain development, existing evidence points to VDD creating a heightened pro-inflammatory intrauterine environment. This may lead to abnormal neuronal proliferation, brain overgrowth, and structural changes. This review aims to explore the interrelationship between VDD, inflammation, and fetal brain development, highlighting the need for further research to evaluate how VDD influences fetal brain development and the role that inflammation plays in this process.