VITAMIN D’S ROLE IN OFFSPRING’S HEALTH

Vitamin D deficiency impairs reproductive success and is considered to have a direct impact on human infertility. Dr Anselma Ferrao, Consultant Obs & Gynae at BrightPoint Royal Women’s Hospital, Abu Dhabi, says a study reported that vitamin D deficiency might cause ovulatory disturbance and aggravate polycystic ovarian syndrome in infertile women.

‘Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is important for both maternal and foetal health. Women about to undergo in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) with higher vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to achieve pregnancy from IVF compared with women with lower levels of vitamin D. One study confirmed a fourfold difference in pregnancy rates between vitamin D replete and deficient women.’

Sometimes a little bit of sunshine is the best medicine needed to boost woman’s health.

‘Maternal vitamin D insufficiency is associated with the impaired physical development and language impairment of the offspring, while Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may reduce these risks. It is also associated with several negative health outcomes, including foetal growth retardation, small-for-gestational-age infants, rickets, gestational diabetes, decreased BMD and preeclampsia. Low serum vitamin D levels in women of childbearing age are associated with higher incidence of symptomatic pre-menstrual tension.’

Dr Ferrao adds, ‘Many women already take calcium and vitamin D supplements together for bone health because vitamin D can help in calcium absorption, and they work best when taken together. All pregnant women should routinely receive 2,000 IU per day as supplementation. However, women 71 and older should aim for 800 IU per day. Those who are obese and have dark skin may require higher doses. Women should also avoid multiple, short-interval pregnancies and prolonged breastfeeding. Sun exposure, skin colour, location, vitamin D rich diet and even omega-3 fatty acid balance can influence your vitamin D levels.’