Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy: the Mediterranean reality.
Τίτλος | Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy: the Mediterranean reality. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Karras, S. N., Anagnostis P., Annweiler C., Naughton D. P., Petroczi A., Bili E., Harizopoulou V., Tarlatzis B. C., Persinaki A., Papadopoulou F., & Goulis D. G. |
Journal | Eur J Clin Nutr |
Volume | 68 |
Issue | 8 |
Pagination | 864-9 |
Date Published | 2014 Aug |
ISSN | 1476-5640 |
Λέξεις κλειδιά | Clothing, Female, Humans, Mediterranean Region, Obesity, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Prevalence, Skin Pigmentation, Sunlight, Vitamin D, Vitamin D Deficiency |
Abstract | Vitamin D status during pregnancy is linked to bone mineralization of developing fetus, which justifies targeting sufficient levels of vitamin D in pregnant women. Despite high level of sunshine in the Mediterranean regions, maternal hypovitaminosis D remain common in these countries. The aim of this narrative review was to provide potential explanations for this phenomenon in an effort to guide future public health policies and vitamin D intakes during pregnancy. We searched Medline for publications regarding hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy in the Mediterranean region. Available studies confirmed the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among pregnant women in the Mediterranean regions (50-65% in most studies), resulting in severe skeletal and nonskeletal health events among the offspring. Reasons for this may rely on maternal darker skin pigmentation, poor dietary vitamin D intake, veiled clothing and reduced sunshine exposure, health policies and increased prevalence of obesity. Public health organizations should be aware of this phenomenon and develop specific policies to prevent hypovitaminosis D and its adverse outcomes in maternal and neonatal health. |
DOI | 10.1038/ejcn.2014.80 |
Alternate Journal | Eur J Clin Nutr |
PubMed ID | 24824015 |