Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy for the prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

Vitamin D comes primarily from exposure to sunlight. It is found in only a few foods such as oily fish, eggs and fortified dairy products.

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women has been associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Observational studies suggest that vitamin D levels during pregnancy influence fetal bone development and children’s growth, although it is not clear if maternal vitamin D deficiency leads to neonatal rickets.

To improve maternal and fetal vitamin D status during pregnancy, several health agencies have recommended vitamin D supplementation for pregnant women. However, there is significant variation in the dosage recommendations and the effects and safety of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy are undergoing review. Currently vitamin D supplementation is not recommended to prevent the development of pre-eclampsia and its complications during pregnancy.