Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels and affecting factors among preconception fertile women

Recent study found that vitamin D before conception was considered as a potential additional determinant for achieving pregnancy and live births. The study aimed to evaluate the serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and its affecting factors among preconception fertile women.

This cross-sectional study enrolled 410 women aged 22-44 years who attended a preconception genetic counseling clinic from January 2018 to May 2019. Sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive history of women were collected, and height and weight were measured. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was assayed with chemiluminescence immunoassay. Descriptive statistics were used to examine serum 25(OH)D concentration, and socio-demographic characteristics and reproductive history among preconception women. Determinants of vitamin D deficiency and its affecting factors were assessed using χ2 test and logistic regression.

Findings showed 84.4% of women had serum 25(OH)D concentration below 20 ng/mL. Women working indoors as well as without a history of childbirth had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels compared with those non-working individuals and having delivered a previous child (both P < 0.05). The 25(OH)D levels were the lowest in winter among that in spring, summer, and autumn (all P < 0.001). Women in winter have significantly elevated OR of 5.00 (95%CI 1.75-14.25) to develop vitamin D deficiency. Seasonal variation in serum 25(OH)D levels was not present in non-working individuals and women aged 31-44 years.

Vitamin D deficiency is common among preconception women especially nulliparous women and working women, which propose to screen serum 25(OH)D on preconception evaluation and emphasize need vitamin D supplements and get sunshine exposure.