Vitamin D, the placenta and pregnancy.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Impaired vitamin D status is a widespread health concern.
• Pregnant women represent a specific demographic at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.
• Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy raise critical questions about maternal and fetal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physiological and clinical impact of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy.
• To emphasize the classical calciotropic and non-classical immunological functions of vitamin D.
• To discuss vitamin D metabolism, function, and associated pregnancy complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on vitamin D in pregnancy.
• Analysis of classical (skeletal) and non-classical (immunological) vitamin D functions.
• Examination of vitamin D metabolism and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D deficiency poses risks to both maternal and fetal health.
• Both skeletal and immunological roles of vitamin D are relevant during pregnancy.
• Impaired vitamin D status is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing vitamin D status in pregnant women is crucial for positive pregnancy outcomes.
• Further research into the immunological roles of vitamin D during pregnancy is warranted.
• Understanding vitamin D metabolism is key to managing deficiency-related complications.