Impact of Vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes: can we manage it effectively?

Background: Vitamin D is essential for maternal health, fetal development, and pregnancy outcomes. Despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Objective: This article explores the impact of maternal vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes and evaluates current strategies for its management and prevention, and supplementation. Methods: We onducted a comprehensive literature review of clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews, focusing on the association between vitamin D levels and pregnancy complications and the effectiveness of supplementation and public health interventions. ] Results: Studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is linked to poor pregnancy outcomes, including hypertension, GDM, low birth weight, and neonatal health complications. Vitamin D supplementation (600–4,000 lU/day) has shown potential benefits in reducing these risks, but the optimal dosage and screening strategies remain debated. Food fortification and sunlight exposure may be complementary approaches to improve maternal vitamin D status. Conclusion: Managing vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy requires a multifaceted approach, including early screening, appropriate supplementation, dietary interventions, and public health policies. However, further large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish standardised guidelines for universal supplementation. Addressing vitamin D deficiency can significantly enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes, making it a crucial public health priority.