OPTIMIZING MATERNAL AND FETAL HEALTH: THE ROLE OF VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION IN PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphate regulation, supporting bone health, immune function, and metabolic processes. Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Given the widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, this study examines the impact of vitamin D supplementation on maternal and fetal health. Methods: This study was conducted on 500 pregnant women with recorded serum vitamin D levels. Among them, 300 with vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) received a standardized vitamin D3 supplement, while rest women with unknown vitamin D levels served as the control group. Vitamin D levels were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry at different stages of pregnancy. The effects of supplementation on serum vitamin D levels and pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum haemorrhage, were analyzed using statistical tests, including Student’s t-test, Chi-squared test, and logistic regression. Results: At baseline, 99% of participants had vitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL. Vitamin D supplementation increased serum levels from an average of 13.70 ± 3.54 ng/mL to 30.5 ± 7.73 ng/mL. Women who achieved sufficient vitamin D levels (≥30 ng/mL) had significantly lower rates of preterm birth (p = 0.007), low birth weight (p = 0.025), and postpartum haemorrhage (p = 0.047) compared to the control group. However, no significant >received a standardized vitamin D3 supplement, while rest women with unknown vitamin D levels served as the control group. Vitamin D levels were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry at different stages of pregnancy. The effects of supplementation on serum vitamin D levels and pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum haemorrhage, were analyzed using statistical tests, including Student’s t-test, Chi-squared test, and logistic regression. Results: At baseline, 99% of participants had vitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL. Vitamin D supplementation increased serum levels from an average of 13.70 ± 3.54 ng/mL to 30.5 ± 7.73 ng/mL. Women who achieved sufficient vitamin D levels (≥30 ng/mL) had significantly lower rates of preterm birth (p = 0.007), low birth weight (p = 0.025), and postpartum haemorrhage (p = 0.047) compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed in the rates of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. A positive correlation was found between maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women, particularly those with higher BMI. Supplementation effectively raises serum vitamin D levels and may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum haemorrhage. However, a dosage higher than 2,000 IU/day may be necessary to achieve sufficient levels within three months. Ensuring adequate vitamin D intake during pregnancy may contribute to improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes.