Vitamin D Deficiency among Pregnant Women and Their Newborns in Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background and aims: Vitamin D deficiency is one of the major health problems and unexpectedly has a high prevalence in sunny countries (e.g. Middle East). In this study we determined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and their newborns in Isfahan, a sunny city in Iran.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 88 newborns born in Beheshty hospital, affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (August-September, 2005) and their mothers were studied. Their data were collected by questionnaires and blood sampling was done to measure serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH) vitamin D and parathormone (PTH). Vitamin D deficiency defined as levels of 25(OH) D<20 and <12.5 ng/ml for mothers and newborns, respectively and local cut-offs defined as levels in which mean serum PTH started to increase.

Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency according to 25(OH) D<20ng/ml in mothers and <12.5 ng/ml in newborns was 5.7% and 4.5%, respectively. According to local cut-offs (35 ng/ml for mothers and 26 ng/ml for newborns) 26.1% of mothers and 53.4% of newborns were vitamin D deficient.

Conclusion: According to local definition, vitamin D deficiency is a health problem in pregnant women and their newborns in this sunny city.

Key words

vitamin D deficiency - sun light - mothers - newborns - Iran

References

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