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Calcified Tissue International
Published in: Calcified Tissue International 2/2013

01-02-2013 | Original Research

Vitamin D and Pregnancy: Skeletal Effects, Nonskeletal Effects, and Birth Outcomes

Authors: Bruce W. Hollis, Carol L. Wagner

Published in: Calcified Tissue International | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

The function and requirement of vitamin D during pregnancy for both mother and fetus have remained a mystery. This fact was highlighted by The Cochrane Review in 2000, which reported a lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with respect to vitamin D requirements during pregnancy. Unfortunately, during the past decade only a single RCT has been performed with respect to vitamin D requirements during pregnancy. In this review we will discuss vitamin D metabolism during pregnancy as well as the consequences of vitamin D deficiency on skeletal, nonskeletal, and birth outcomes using birth observational data and data from our recent RCT. New RCT data strongly support previous observational studies in that improving nutritional vitamin D status will improve birth outcomes. The new RCT data indicate that 4,000 IU/day vitamin D3 during pregnancy will “normalize” vitamin D metabolism and improve birth outcomes including primary cesarean section and comorbidities of pregnancy with no risk of side effects.
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Metadata
Title
Vitamin D and Pregnancy: Skeletal Effects, Nonskeletal Effects, and Birth Outcomes
Authors
Bruce W. Hollis
Carol L. Wagner
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Calcified Tissue International / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0171-967X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0827
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-012-9607-4

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