Abstract:
Introduction: Many studies from the Asian region
have shown the existence of vitamin D deficiency
among pregnant and breast feeding mothers despite
abundant sunlight. Yet, we have little information
on this topic in Sri Lanka. There are many skeletal
and non-skeletal effects of vitamin D deficiency.
Objectives: To investigate vitamin D status of
pregnant mothers and its effect on growth
parameters of the offspring.
Method: We recruited 91 mothers who did not
receive vitamin D supplementation during their
pregnancy. 25(OH) D, parathyroid hormone (PTH),
alkaline phosphatase, calcium and inorganic
phosphorus levels were measured during the third
trimester. Weight, length and head circumference
(HC) of the babies were measured at birth and at
one month of age.
Results: Vitamin D deficiency (<10ng/ml) was
present in 18.8% and insufficiency (10-20ng/ml) in
47.5%. This study showed no significant
correlation between maternal vitamin-D levels and
neonatal anthropometry (height, weight and head
circumference).
Conclusions: A significant rate of vitamin D
deficiency was observed in pregnant mothers.
There was no correlation between maternal
vitamin-D levels and neonatal anthropometry in
this study.
