Research Paper Title

Association between Maternal Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Level and Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.

Study Question

What is the association between maternal levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25-OHD; the best measure of vitamin D status in humans) and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

Summary Answer

Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and birth variables.

What is Known and What this Paper Adds

Existing data support the hypothesis that vitamin D insufficiency during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of pregnancy related diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and small for gestational age infants. Pregnant women ith low 25-OHD levels had an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis and lower birth weight infants, but not delivery by caesarean section.

Source: BMJ 2013;346:f1169.