[Association between vitamin D level and lipid metabolism during second trimester]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including calcium homeostasis and immune function.
• Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between vitamin D status and metabolic health.
• Understanding vitamin D's impact on lipid metabolism during pregnancy is vital for maternal and fetal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and key lipid metabolism indicators in pregnant women during their second trimester.
• To determine if vitamin D deficiency influences lipid profiles in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 1,875 pregnant women in their second trimester underwent assessment of serum 25(OH)D, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, and LDL-C.
• Statistical analyses, including cubic non-linear and linear regression models, were employed to examine the relationships.
• Participants were stratified based on vitamin D status (deficiency vs. sufficiency).

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (75.3%) was observed.
• Lower 25(OH)D levels (quartiles 1-4) were significantly associated with increased TC, TG, and LDL-C compared to the highest quartile (Q5).
• A significant negative correlation between 25(OH)D and TC, TG, and LDL-C was found specifically in women with vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L). No significant association was observed in women with sufficient vitamin D levels (≥50 nmol/L).

Conclusions:

• A non-linear relationship exists between vitamin D levels and lipid metabolism during the second trimester of pregnancy.
• Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with adverse lipid profiles (higher TC, TG, LDL-C).
• Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy may be important for managing lipid metabolism.