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Cord Blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D and Fetal Growth in the China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study

Peng Zhu1,2,3, Shi-lu Tong1,3, Wen-biao Hu3

  • 1Department of Maternal, Child &Adolescent Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.

Scientific Reports
|October 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal vitamin D levels show an inverted U-shaped link with fetal growth. Moderate vitamin D concentrations in newborns were associated with increased birth weight and reduced risk of small for gestational age (SGA).

Area of Science:

  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Neonatal Development

Background:

  • Vitamin D is crucial for fetal development.
  • The impact of neonatal vitamin D status on birth outcomes requires further investigation.
  • Small for gestational age (SGA) is a significant concern in neonatal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and birth weight.
  • To investigate the relationship between cord blood 25(OH)D and the risk of small for gestational age (SGA).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study (China-Anhui Birth Cohort - C-ABC) involving 1491 neonates in Hefei, China.
  • Measurement of cord blood 25(OH)D levels.
  • Collection of data on maternal and neonatal characteristics and birth outcomes.
  • Application of multiple regression models to analyze associations.

Main Results:

  • Neonates in the 4th to 7th deciles of cord blood 25(OH)D had significantly higher birth weight and lower SGA risk compared to the lowest decile.
  • A non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship was observed between cord blood 25(OH)D and birth weight.
  • Each 10 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a 61.0g increase in birth weight at levels <40 nmol/L, and a 68.5g decrease at levels between 40-70 nmol/L.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first epidemiological evidence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between neonatal vitamin D status and fetal growth.
  • Moderate concentrations of vitamin D in neonates are associated with improved fetal growth and reduced risk of SGA.
  • Optimal maternal vitamin D supplementation strategies may be important for fetal development.

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