FRIDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- Daily 4000 IU vitamin D supplementation from 12 to 16 weeks of gestation is safe and effective in achieving vitamin D sufficiency in pregnant women and their neonates, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Bruce W. Hollis, Ph.D., from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and colleagues assessed the need, safety and effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in 350 women with singleton pregnancies at 12 to 16 weeks of gestation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 400, 2000 or 4000 IU vitamin D3 daily until delivery. The outcomes studied included maternal/neonatal circulating serum vitamin D (25[OH]D) levels at delivery, achieving 25(OH)D of 80 nmol/L or more, and achieving 25(OH)D concentration for maximal 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25[OH]2D) production.
The investigators found that the percent of participants achieving vitamin D sufficiency was significantly different between groups, with the 4000 IU group having the highest percent. Within one month of delivery, the relative risks (RRs) of achieving 25(OH)D of 80 nmol/L or more were significantly different between the 2000 versus 400 IU groups and 4000 versus 400 IU groups (RRs, 1.52 and 1.60, respectively). There was no significant difference between the 2000 and 4000 IU groups. Circulatory 25(OH)D directly influenced 1,25(OH)2D levels throughout pregnancy with maximal production of 1,25(OH)2D in the 4000 IU group. Vitamin D supplementation was not associated with adverse events, and safety measures were similar between the groups.
"A daily vitamin D dose of 4000 IU was associated with improved vitamin D status throughout pregnancy, one month prior, and at delivery in both mother and neonate," the authors write.
One of the study authors disclosed financial ties with the Diasorin Corporation.
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