Related Experiment Videos
Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy.
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. kmahomed@healthnet.zw
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
This review found insufficient evidence to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on pregnancy outcomes. More research is needed to understand vitamin D
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency is common in individuals with limited dietary intake or sun exposure.
- Adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on pregnancy outcomes.
- To synthesize current evidence on vitamin D's role in improving maternal and infant health during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of controlled trials on vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy.
- Searched Cochrane databases for relevant studies up to October 1998.
- Data extraction and quality assessment by a single reviewer.
Main Results:
- Two trials with 232 participants were included in the review.
- Conflicting results were observed: one trial showed increased maternal weight gain and fewer low birthweight infants, while the other reported lower birthweights in the supplemented group.
- The overall evidence is limited and inconclusive.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists to support or refute the use of vitamin D supplementation for improving pregnancy outcomes.
- Further high-quality trials are necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy.