Intergenerational vitamin D deficiency: Correlation between maternal and neonatal levels and the role of supplementation

Objectives: Vitamin D levels in neonates at birth are directly dependent on maternal vitamin D levels. This study aims to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in mothers at the time of delivery and in neonates at birth, explore their correlation and assess the effects of routine vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D levels in infants at 6 weeks and 6 months. Material and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in a medical college setting in North India, after obtaining ethical clearance. A total of 83 mother-baby dyads were enrolled. Venous blood samples were collected at predefined times, and vitamin D, serum calcium and phosphorus levels were measured using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay, calcium assay and phosphomolybdate methods, respectively. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (SPSS 20). Results: Among the 83 mother-baby dyads, 57.8% of the neonates were male, and the majority were term (78.3%) and appropriate for gestational age (83.1%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 62.7% of mothers and 86.7% of neonates. Calcium deficiency was observed in 9.6% of neonates and 1.2% of mothers. Maternal serum vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus levels were directly correlated with neonatal levels at birth. Significant improvements in vitamin D and calcium levels were observed with routine supplementation at 6 weeks and 6 months. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in both mothers and neonates, with a direct positive correlation between maternal and neonatal levels.