Prenatal vitamin use and vitamin D status during pregnancy, differences by race and overweight status

J Perinatol. 2015 Apr;35(4):241-5. doi: 10.1038/jp.2014.198. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to study whether prenatal vitamin (PNV) use protects against low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels in all women and particularly in obese and black women who are both at risk of vitamin D deficiency and poor pregnancy outcomes.

Study design: We studied 1019 women enrolled in a prospective study at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, from 2007 to 2009. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations of PNV use and odds of vitamin D deficiency defined as 25[OH]D levels <50 nmol l(-1).

Result: In all, 56% of black and 86% of white women reported pre- and/or postconceptional PNV use. In the first trimester, 75% of black and 19% of white women were vitamin D deficient. Lack of PNV use among black women was not associated with vitamin D deficiency (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4, 2.3) but was among white women (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.1, 5.8) (interaction P<0.01).

Conclusions: Ongoing trials of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should consider potential effect modification by race/ethnicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black or African American
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / ethnology*
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*
  • White People

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D