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Vitamin D and hypertension in pregnancy
Jennifer S Ringrose1, Anne M PausJenssen, Merne Wilson
1University of Alberta, Canada. jennifer.ringrose@ualberta.ca
Summary
Low vitamin D levels are common in pregnant women, especially during winter. This study found that pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to develop hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue, particularly prevalent in regions at higher latitudes.
- Hypertension during pregnancy poses significant risks to both mother and fetus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between vitamin D status and the incidence of hypertension in pregnant women.
- To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a pregnant population in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving pregnant women near term.
- Cases were defined by elevated blood pressure readings (≥140/90 mmHg), while controls had normal readings.
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured, alongside body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D intake.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) was observed, increasing in winter months (29% of cases, 13% of controls in summer vs. 49% of cases, 44% of controls in winter).
- Lower vitamin D levels correlated negatively with BMI and highest blood pressure readings during pregnancy.
- While univariate analysis showed lower 25(OH)D in cases, this was not significant in multivariate analysis after adjusting for BMI.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Saskatoon.
- Lower circulating vitamin D concentrations are associated with an increased likelihood of developing hypertension in pregnancy.
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