Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the pregnant women: an observational study in Shanghai, China

Vitamin D is important for calcium and bone health, and also affects the immune system, blood production, cancer development, glucose control and brain function. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency can lead to various diseases. This study examined vitamin D levels in pregnant women in Shanghai, China, and found that most of them had insufficient levels of vitamin D. The study also looked at whether low vitamin D levels were linked to gestational diabetes or low birth weight. The study found that vitamin D levels varied by season and age, with winter and older age groups showing slightly higher levels. However, there was no link between vitamin D deficiency and gestational diabetes or low birth weight in this study population.

• 1
  A large majority (98.4%) of pregnant women in Shanghai did not have adequate vitamin D levels, with 70% being severely deficient or deficient.
• 2
  Vitamin D levels varied significantly by season, with the highest levels observed in winter and the lowest in summer.
• 3
  Older pregnant women (>35 years) tended to have higher vitamin D levels compared to younger women.