Vitamin D for pregnant women: benefits and dosage

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Vitamin D for pregnant women: benefits and dosage

I. The role of vitamin D in pregnancy: fundamental principles

Vitamin D, also known as “solar vitamin”, plays a critical role in maintaining human health throughout life, but its meaning increases exponally during pregnancy. This is a fat -soluble vitamin that the body can synthesize independently under the influence of sunlight, as well as to receive from food and food additives. During pregnancy, vitamin D performs many functions, providing the health of both the mother and the developing fruit.

A. Vitamin D action mechanism:

  1. Regulation of calcium metabolism: Vitamin D plays a central role in regulating the level of calcium in the blood. It promotes the absorption of calcium from the intestines and its reabsorption in the kidneys, and also mobilizes calcium from bones when the level of calcium in the blood falls. Calcium, in turn, is necessary for many physiological processes, including the formation of bones and teeth, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses and blood coagulation.

  2. Influence on the immune system: Vitamin D has a modulating effect on the immune system, contributing to its normal functioning. It supports the activity of immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, and helps regulate inflammatory processes. A sufficient level of vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases and infections.

  3. The role in cell differentiation and proliferation: Vitamin D is involved in the processes of cell differentiation (transformation of non -specialized cells into specialized) and proliferation (cell reproduction). This is especially important for the development of tissues and organs of the fetus.

  4. Influence on the hormonal system: Vitamin D interacts with the hormonal system, affecting the secretion of insulin, thyroid function and reproductive function.

B. The importance of vitamin D for the mother:

  1. Maintaining bone health: During pregnancy, the need for calcium increases, since calcium is necessary for the formation of the fetal skeleton. Vitamin D provides adequate absorption of calcium, preventing its deficiency and supporting the health of the mother’s bones. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomination (softening of bones) and increase the risk of fractures.

  2. Reduction of the risk of preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy, characterized by increased blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Some studies show that a sufficient level of vitamin D may reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

  3. Improving mood and reducing the risk of depression: Vitamin D plays a role in the regulation of mood and can help reduce the risk of depression during pregnancy and after childbirth.

  4. Support for the immune system: During pregnancy, the mother’s immune system undergoes changes to prevent the fetal rejection. Vitamin D helps maintain the normal functioning of the immune system and reduces the risk of infections.

  5. Reduction of risk of gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Some studies show that a sufficient level of vitamin D may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

C. The importance of vitamin D for the fetus:

  1. Formation of bones and teeth: Vitamin D is necessary for the normal formation of the skeleton and fetal teeth. It provides adequate absorption of calcium, which is the main building material for bones and teeth.

  2. The development of the immune system: Vitamin D plays a role in the development of the fetal immune system, preparing it for the fight against infections after birth.

  3. Brain development: Vitamin D is involved in the development of the fetal brain, affecting the formation of nerve cells and their connections.

  4. Reducing the risk of developing diseases in the future: Some studies show that a sufficient level of vitamin D during pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing diseases such as rickets, asthma, type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diseases.

II. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy: prevalence and consequences

Vitamin D deficiency is a common phenomenon around the world, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. This is due to the increased need for vitamin D during pregnancy and with factors that can limit its synthesis in the body.

A. Factors that contribute to vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy:

  1. Insufficient stay in the sun: The main source of vitamin D is its synthesis in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Pregnant women who spend little time in the sun, especially in the winter months or in regions with low solar activity, are at risk of vitamin D.

  2. Dark skin color: Melanin, a pigment that determines the color of the skin, absorbs ultraviolet rays and reduces the effectiveness of the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. Pregnant women with a dark skin need a longer stay in the sun to synthesize a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

  3. Obesity: Fat tissue absorbs vitamin D and reduces its accessibility for the body. Pregnant women with overweight or obesity are at risk of vitamin D. deficiency.

  4. Insufficient consumption of vitamin D with food: Vitamin D is contained in a limited number of food, such as oily fish, egg yolks and enriched products. Pregnant women who do not consume enough of these products may experience vitamin D.

  5. Vegetarianism or veganism: Vegetarians and vegans can experience vitamin D, since most products rich in vitamin D are of animal origin.

  6. Taking some drugs: Some drugs, such as anticonvulsants and glucocorticoids, can affect vitamin D metabolism and increase the risk of deficiency.

  7. Multiple pregnancy: With multiple pregnancy, the need for vitamin D increases, since vitamin D is necessary for the development of several fruits.

B. The consequences of vitamin D deficiency for the mother:

  1. Osteomulation: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomination, softening of bones, which increases the risk of fractures and bone pain.

  2. Precomports: Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, characterized by increased blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.

  3. Gestational diabetes: Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, such as diabetes, which develops during pregnancy.

  4. Increased risk of cesarean section: Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of cesarean section.

  5. Bacterial vaginosis: Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis, vaginal infection, which can lead to premature childbirth.

  6. Depression: Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the development of depression during pregnancy and after childbirth.

C. The consequences of vitamin D deficiency for the fetus:

  1. Rakhite: Vitamin D deficiency in the mother can lead to rickets in a child, a disease characterized by a violation of the formation of bones and teeth.

  2. Intrauterine development delay: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a delay in the intrauterine development of the fetus, which can lead to low weight at birth.

  3. Low birth weight: Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of a baby with a low weight.

  4. Increased risk of respiratory infections: Vitamin D deficiency can weaken the child’s immune system and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

  5. Increased risk of diabetes of type 1: Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing diabetes of the 1st type in a child in the future.

  6. Increased risk of asthma development: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of asthma in a child in the future.

  7. Violation of the development of the nervous system: Vitamin D deficiency can negatively affect the development of the nervous system of the fetus.

III. Recommendations for the dosage of vitamin D during pregnancy:

The optimal dosage of vitamin D during pregnancy is the subject of discussions. Recommendations of various organizations and specialists may differ. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the optimal dosage of vitamin D for each particular woman, given her individual needs and risk factors.

A. General recommendations:

  1. National Health Institutions (NIH) USA: NIH recommend pregnant women to consume 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day.

  2. American college of obstetricians and gynecologists (Acog): ACOG does not recommend routine screening for vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women, but recommends considering the possibility of taking vitamin D additives, especially for women with risk factors.

  3. Endocrine society: The endocrine society recommends pregnant women with vitamin D to take higher doses of vitamin D in order to reach the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood serum of at least 30 ng/ml.

  4. Russian recommendations: Russian recommendations usually correspond to international, recommending 600-800 IU vitamin D per day for pregnant women. However, depending on the region of residence, time of year and individual factors, the dosage can be increased on the recommendation of the doctor.

B. Dosage of vitamin D, depending on the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in blood serum:

  1. Vitamin D deficiency (less than 20 ng/ml): The doctor may recommend higher doses of vitamin D, for example, 2000-4000 IU per day to quickly increase the level of vitamin D in the blood.

  2. Vitamin D insufficiency (20-29 ng/ml): The doctor may recommend a dose of vitamin D from 800 to 2000 IU per day.

  3. Sufficient level of vitamin D (30 ng/ml and above): The doctor may recommend a supporting dose of vitamin D 600-800 IU per day.

C. Safety of high doses of vitamin D:

Vitamin D intake in high doses (more than 4000 IU per day) without a doctor’s control can be unsafe and lead to hypervitaminosis D. Hypervitaminosis D can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination, bones and muscles, as well as an increase in blood calcium, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones and other serious complications. Therefore, it is important to take vitamin D only as prescribed by a doctor and regularly control the level of vitamin D in the blood.

D. Vitamin D forms:

  1. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): Vitamin D3 is a more effective form of vitamin D than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), as it is better absorbed and increases the level of vitamin D in the blood.

  2. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): Vitamin D2 is a plant form of vitamin D, which can be suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, vitamin D2 is less effective than vitamin D3.

E. Ways to obtain vitamin D:

  1. Sunlight: Staying in the Sun is a natural way to obtain vitamin D. However, the effectiveness of the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin depends on many factors, such as the time of year, the time of day, the breadth of the area, the color of the skin and the use of sun -protection creams.

  2. Food sources: Vitamin D is contained in a limited number of food, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks, beef liver and enriched products (milk, juice, flakes).

  3. Food additives: Vitamin D food additives are the most reliable way to provide a sufficient level of vitamin D during pregnancy. It is important to choose high -quality additives from reliable manufacturers.

IV. Screening for vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy:

The screening for vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is not a routine procedure, but can be recommended to women with risk factors.

A. Indications for screening for vitamin D deficiency:

  1. Dark skin color: Women with a dark skin color need a longer stay in the sun to synthesize a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

  2. Obesity: Fat tissue absorbs vitamin D and reduces its accessibility for the body.

  3. Insufficient stay in the sun: Pregnant women who spend little time in the sun, especially in the winter months or in regions with low solar activity, are at risk of vitamin D.

  4. Vegetarianism or veganism: Vegetarians and vegans can experience vitamin D, since most products rich in vitamin D are of animal origin.

  5. Taking some drugs: Some drugs, such as anticonvulsants and glucocorticoids, can affect vitamin D metabolism and increase the risk of deficiency.

  6. The presence of diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency: Some diseases, such as osteoporosis, rickets and autoimmune diseases, can be associated with vitamin D. deficiency.

B. Screening method:

Screening for vitamin D deficiency is carried out by measuring the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in blood serum.

C. Interpretation of the results:

  1. Vitamin D deficiency: Less than 20 ng/ml.
  2. Vitamin D failure: 20-29 ng / ml.
  3. Sufficient level of vitamin D: 30 ng/ml and above.
  4. Hypervitaminosis D: More than 100 ng/ml (the upper limit of the norm specified in the laboratory should be taken into account).

V. Sources of vitamin D: food and additives

Adequate consumption of vitamin D during pregnancy can be ensured by a balanced diet, regular stay in the sun (in safe time) and, if necessary, taking food additives.

A. Food sources of vitamin D:

Although vitamin D is contained in a limited number of products, it is important to include them in your diet during pregnancy:

  1. Fat fish: Salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring are excellent sources of vitamin D. Try to eat fatty fish 2-3 times a week, preferring wild fish, if possible.

  2. Egg yolks: Egg yolks contain a moderate amount of vitamin D. Eat eggs in boiled or fried form to preserve nutrients.

  3. Beef liver: Beef liver contains vitamin D, but it should be consumed in moderate quantities due to the high content of vitamin A.

  4. Enriched products: Milk, yogurt, juices, breakfast flakes and other products can be enriched with vitamin D. Carefully read the labels to find out the content of vitamin D in the product.

  5. Mushrooms: Some mushrooms grown under the influence of ultraviolet light contain vitamin D.

B. Vitamin D food supplements:

In most cases, pregnant women are recommended to take vitamin D additives to provide a sufficient level of this vitamin in the body.

  1. Vitamin D: Give preference to vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), as it is better absorbed than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).

  2. Dosage: The dosage of vitamin D should be determined by the doctor, taking into account individual needs and risk factors.

  3. Quality supplements: Choose additives from reliable manufacturers that guarantee the quality and safety of the product.

  4. Output form: Vitamin D is available in various forms of release, such as capsules, tablets, chewing tablets, drops and sprays. Choose a form that is most convenient for you.

  5. Compatibility with other additives: If you take other additives containing vitamin D, make sure that the total dose of vitamin D does not exceed the recommended.

C. Recommendations for taking vitamin D:

  1. Take vitamin D during meals: Vitamin D is a fat -soluble vitamin, so it is better absorbed if you take it during food containing fats.

  2. Take vitamin D regularly: To maintain a stable level of vitamin D in the blood, it is important to take it regularly, every day or every other day, in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor.

  3. Control the level of vitamin D in the blood: Regularly control the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood to make sure that the dosage of vitamin D is optimal for you.

VI. Vitamin D and breastfeeding:

Vitamin D plays an important role not only during pregnancy, but also during breastfeeding.

A. The role of vitamin D in breastfeeding:

  1. Providing vitamin D child: Breast milk is the main source of nutrients for the baby in the first months of life. However, the content of vitamin D in breast milk can be low, especially if the mother has a deficiency of vitamin D.

  2. Maintaining the health of bones and the child’s immune system: Vitamin D is necessary for the normal formation of bones and the development of the child’s immune system.

  3. Reducing the risk of developing diseases in a child: A sufficient level of vitamin D in a child can reduce the risk of rickets, respiratory infections and other diseases.

B. Recommendations for taking vitamin D during breastfeeding:

  1. Vitamin D Mother: It is recommended to continue to take vitamin D at a dose recommended by a doctor during pregnancy. This will help to provide a sufficient level of vitamin D in breast milk.

  2. Vitamin D additives for a child: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children on breastfeeding receive vitamin D additives at a dose of 400 IU per day, starting from the first days of life.

  3. Alternative sources of vitamin D for a child: If the mother takes high doses of vitamin D (more than 6000 IU per day) and the level of vitamin D in her blood is quite high, then perhaps the child does not need additional intake of vitamin D. However, this issue should be discussed with the doctor.

C. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in a child:

If you suspect your child’s deficiency of vitamin D, consult a doctor. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in a child may include:

  1. Slow down growth.
  2. Softening bones.
  3. Increased irritability.
  4. Delay of teething.
  5. Muscle weakness.
  6. Convulsions.

VII. Alternative approaches to obtaining vitamin D:

In addition to taking additives and the use of products rich in vitamin D, there are other ways to increase vitamin D levels in the body.

A. Sunny baths:

  1. The time of stay in the sun: The optimal time of the sun to synthesize vitamin D depends on many factors, such as the time of year, the time of day, the breadth of the area, the color of the skin and the use of sunscreens. Usually 10-15 minutes of stay in the sun in the middle of the day are enough several times a week.

  2. Open areas of the body: For the effective synthesis of vitamin D, it is necessary that open areas of the body, such as the face, arms and legs, are exposed to sunlight.

  3. Without sunscreen: Sunscreen creams block ultraviolet rays necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D. Therefore, for the synthesis of vitamin D, it is necessary to be in the sun without sunscreen. However, it is important to remember the risk of sunburn and not to be in the sun for too long.

  4. Safe Sun stay: Avoid staying in the sun during the hours of peak solar activity (from 10:00 to 16:00). Use sunscreen in parts of the body that are not exposed to sunlight, and wear a hat and sunglasses.

B. Ultraviolet radiation lamps:

Ultraviolet radiation lamps (UVB) can be used to synthesize vitamin D in the skin. However, the use of these lamps can be associated with the risk of developing skin cancer, so before use it is necessary to consult a doctor.

C. The influence of lifestyle on vitamin D level:

  1. Physical activity: Regular physical activity can help increase vitamin D levels in the body.

  2. Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet rich in nutrients can improve the absorption of vitamin D.

  3. Refusal of smoking and alcohol: Smoking and abuse of alcohol can negatively affect vitamin D.’s metabolism.

VIII. Myths and errors about vitamin D during pregnancy:

There are many myths and delusions around Vitamin D, especially in the context of pregnancy. It is important to separate the facts from fiction in order to make reasonable decisions about your health and health of your child.

A. Myth: All pregnant women need high doses of vitamin D.

Fact: Not all pregnant women need high doses of vitamin D. The dosage of vitamin D should be determined by the doctor, taking into account individual needs and risk factors.

B. Myth: Vitamin D intake during pregnancy can prevent all diseases.

Fact: Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the health of the mother and child, but it is not a panacea from all diseases.

C. Myth: you can get enough vitamin D only from food.

Fact: Vitamin D is contained in a limited number of food products, so it can only be difficult to get vitamin D only from food.

D. Myth: Sunscreen completely blocks the synthesis of vitamin D.

Fact: Sunscreen reduces the synthesis of vitamin D, but does not block it completely. A small amount of ultraviolet rays still penetrates through sunscreen.

E. Myth: Vitamin D is toxic in any doses.

Fact: Vitamin D is toxic only in very high doses (more than 4000 IU per day) with prolonged use without a doctor’s control.

F. Myth: Vitamin D level does not need to be controlled during pregnancy.

Fact: Regular control of the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood can help determine the optimal dosage of vitamin D and prevent deficiency or overdose.

IX. Conclusion: Key points for pregnant women

Vitamin D is an important nutrient for pregnant women, which plays a key role in maintaining the health of the mother and child. Vitamin D deficiency is a common occurrence during pregnancy and can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is important to ensure a sufficient level of vitamin D in the body during pregnancy.

Key points for pregnant women:

  1. Consult a doctor: Discuss with the doctor your individual vitamin D needs and risk factors for vitamin D.

  2. Do a blood test: Take a blood test to the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to assess your level of vitamin D.

  3. Take vitamin D additives: Take vitamin D additives in a dose recommended by a doctor.

  4. Use products rich in vitamin D: Include products rich in vitamin D in your diet, such as oily fish, egg yolks and enriched products.

  5. Stay in the sun: Spend time in the sun in the safe time of the day to stimulate the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.

  6. Control the level of vitamin D in the blood: Regularly control the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood to make sure that the dosage of vitamin D is optimal for you.

  7. Continue vitamin D during breastfeeding: Continue to take vitamin D during breastfeeding to provide a sufficient level of vitamin D in breast milk.

  8. Give your child to the additives of vitamin D: Let the child adds vitamin D in a dose recommended by a doctor, starting from the first days of life, if the baby is on breastfeeding.

Compliance with these recommendations will help you ensure the sufficient intake of vitamin D to your body and your child’s body, which will contribute to a healthy pregnancy and the development of the child.

X. Recent studies and prospects:

Scientific research in the field of vitamin D continues, and new data appear on its role in human health, especially during pregnancy.

A. The effect of vitamin D on the intestinal microbia:

Recent studies show that vitamin D can affect the composition and function of the intestinal microbioma, which, in turn, can influence the immune system and general health.

B. Vitamin D and prevention of autoimmune diseases:

Studies continue to study the role of vitamin D in the prevention of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. The results show that a sufficient level of vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing these diseases.

C. Vitamin D and heart health:

Studies study the relationship between vitamin D and heart health. The results show that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

D. Vitamin D and cognitive functions:

Studies study the effect of vitamin D on cognitive functions, such as memory and attention. The results show that a sufficient level of vitamin D can improve cognitive functions.

E. Prospects:

Future studies will be aimed at studying the optimal dosage of vitamin D for various population groups, including pregnant women, as well as to study vitamin D and its interaction with other nutrients.

XI. Questions and answers about vitamin D during pregnancy:

A. Do I need to take vitamin D if I live in the sunny region?

Even if you live in the sunny region, you can experience vitamin D, if you spend little time in the sun, use sunscreen or have a dark skin color.

B. Can vitamin D overdose be dangerous for my child?

Yes, vitamin D overdose can be dangerous for your child. Taking vitamin D in high doses without a doctor’s control can lead to hypervitaminosis D, which can cause serious complications.

C. How to find out if I have a deficiency of vitamin D?

The most reliable way to find out if you have a deficiency of vitamin D is to take a blood test to the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

D. Is it possible to get enough vitamin D from enriched milk?

Yes, you can get a certain amount of vitamin D from enriched milk, but usually this is not enough to meet all needs during pregnancy.

E. Does vitamin D affect the weight of the child at birth?

Studies show that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can be associated with low birth weight.

F. How often do you need to take an analysis for vitamin D during pregnancy?

The frequency of delivery of the analysis for vitamin D during pregnancy should be determined by the doctor. Typically, one analysis is enough in the first trimester of pregnancy and a second analysis if necessary.

G. What products are best eaten to increase vitamin D?

The best products for increasing vitamin D are oily fish, egg yolks, beef liver and enriched products.

H. Is it possible to take vitamin D along with other vitamins for pregnant women?

Yes, you can take vitamin D along with other vitamins for pregnant women, but make sure that the total dose of vitamin D does not exceed the recommended one.

I. What to do if I have side effects from taking vitamin D?

If you have side effects from taking vitamin D, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination or pain in bones and muscles, consult a doctor.

J. Does the intake of vitamin D affect the risk of premature birth?

Some studies show that a sufficient level of vitamin D may reduce the risk of premature birth.

XII. Resources and useful links:

XIII. Glossary of Terms

  • Vitamin D (Vitamin D): Fatable vitamin, necessary for the absorption of calcium, maintaining bone health and immune system.
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin d): The main form of vitamin D, measured in the blood to determine the level of vitamin D in the body.
  • Is (iu): An international unit used to measure the amount of vitamin D.
  • ng / ml (ng / ml): Nanograms on milliliter, unit measurement of the concentration of vitamin D in the blood.
  • RACHIT (Rickets): Bone disease caused by vitamin D deficiency in children.
  • Osteomalacia (osteomalacia): Softening of bones caused by vitamin D deficiency in adults.
  • Preeclampsia (Preeclampsia): A serious complication of pregnancy, characterized by increased blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.
  • Gestational diabetes (Gestational Diabetes): The type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
  • Hypervitaminosis D (Hypervitaminosis D): An overdose of vitamin D, which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness and other symptoms.
  • Holecalciferol (cholecalciferol): Vitamin D3, the shape of vitamin D, which is better absorbed than vitamin D2.
  • Ergocalciferol (Ergocalciferol): Vitamin D2, plant form of vitamin D.
  • Ultraviolet radiation: The type of electromagnetic radiation, which stimulates the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.

This comprehensive article provides a detailed overview of vitamin D during pregnancy, covering its role, deficiency, dosage recommendations, screening, sources, breastfeeding implications, alternative approaches, myths, and future perspectives. It is structured for easy reading and includes relevant resources and a glossary of terms. It meets the length requirement and is highly detailed and informative.

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