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High Pregnancy, Cord Blood, and Infant Vitamin D Concentrations May Predict Slower Infant Growth

Helena H Hauta-Alus1, Eero Kajantie1,2,3,4, Elisa M Holmlund-Suila1

  • 1Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 25, 2018
PubMed

Insights

High maternal and infant vitamin D levels may negatively impact infant growth. This study found associations between elevated 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and reduced infant size at various stages.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Maternal-Fetal Health
  • Vitamin D Metabolism

Background:

  • The impact of maternal and infant 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] on infant growth remains unclear.
  • Understanding these relationships is crucial for optimizing infant development and maternal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels during pregnancy, in umbilical cord blood (UCB), and in infancy with infant growth parameters.
  • To determine if maternal and infant vitamin D status influences infant size and body composition.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study of 798 healthy mother-infant pairs in Finland.
  • Measurement of 25(OH)D in maternal blood during pregnancy, UCB at birth, and infant blood at 12 months.
  • Assessment of infant growth indicators including length, weight, length-adjusted weight, and head circumference at 6 and 12 months.

Main Results:

  • High maternal 25(OH)D (>125 nmol/L) was linked to shorter, lighter, and thinner infants at 6 months.
  • Elevated UCB 25(OH)D correlated with shorter infant length at 6 months and smaller head circumference at 6 and 12 months.
  • Higher infant 25(OH)D at 12 months was associated with lighter and thinner infants at the same age.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations during pregnancy, in cord blood, and in infancy may have adverse effects on infant growth.
  • These findings suggest a potential threshold for vitamin D levels beyond which growth may be negatively impacted.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical implications of these associations.
Abstract

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