Vitamin D is a steroid vitamin from a group of fat-soluble pro hormones. Vitamin D and pregnancy are important together. Expecting mothers need to make sure they get the recommended amounts of vitamin D during pregnancy for both their own well being and the healthy development of their baby. The most significant compounds for human development are D2 and D3. It is unlikely your prenatal vitamin provides enough vitamin D. A recent study found women taking 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily had the greatest benefits in preventing preterm labor/births and infections. The study confirmed vitamin D at this level is not only safe for you, but for your baby, and the researchers from this study now recommend this daily dosage of vitamin D for all pregnant women. The average prenatal vitamin only contains 400 IU of vitamin D, so additional supplementation should be taken daily. Vitamin D is beneficial for your own personal health. Vitamin D now has extensive research supporting its role in immune function, healthy cell division and bone health.
Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Many studies are finding a connection between low serum vitamin D levels and an increased risk of certain types of cancers, autoimmune disease, neurological disease, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D invests in the well-being of your baby by supporting healthy bone development. Deficiency with vitamin D is also related to preeclampsia. At this time, 40-60% of the entire U.S. population is vitamin D deficient, including pregnant women. The reasons for this widespread deficiency are many, and to begin to unfold this issue you can start with understanding there is a very short list of foods that contain vitamin D. These foods are egg yolk, salmon and cod liver oil, however, most vitamin D is consumed through fortified foods like milk. For the 75% of the population that is lactose intolerant, fortified milk products are not a reliable source of vitamin D consumption. Additionally, many factors influence the body’s ability to make and absorb vitamin D.
These factors include: where you live, the season, how much time you spend outdoors without sunscreen, skin pigmentation, age, obesity, pollution, and having healthy intestines with optimal absorption capacity. These factors come in to play because Vitamin D is actually a hormone and needs sunlight, in order for the body to manufacture it properly. At this time, a large part of the U.S. population falls into one, or more, of these categories: You can begin by making an effort to eat more vitamin D containing foods. Next, research suggests sensible sun exposure (usually 5-10 min of exposure of the arms and legs or the hands, arms, and face, 2 or 3 times per week) can help as well. However, the best way to really ensure adequate vitamin D is through simple supplementation. When supplementing, your choices will be between two forms of vitamin D. Ergocalciferol is the vegetarian form of vitamin D and cholecalciferol is the animal-sourced form, usually derived from fish liver oil or lanolin from sheep.
The cholecalciferol form is the most absorbable and utilized form for the body, but if you are vegan you should choose ergocalciferol. We recommend Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 (1000 IU per soft gel) in the natural form cholecalciferol form. The carrier oil is organic, extra virgin olive oil and they come in small, soft gels that are very easy to swallow. We also recommend Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA with added vitamin D3 (400 IU per 2 soft gels). This product provides two of the most important nutrients for pregnant women backed by a long standing, reliable company that guarantees optimum purity, quality and freshness. Vitamin D Supplementation during Pregnancy Part 2 NICHD/CTSA Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT): Outcomes. Carol L. Wagner, Donna Johnson, Thomas C. Hulsey, Myla Ebeling, Judy Shary, Pamela G. Smith, Betty Bivens, Bruce W. Hollis. Pediatrics/Obstetrics, Medical University of SC, Charleston, SC.Maternal Vitamin D and Fetal Growth in Early-Onset Severe Preeclampsia.
Chrstopher Robinson, Carol Wagner, Bruce Hollis, John Baatz and Donna Johnson. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2011 June.Your body needs vitamin D to maintain proper levels of calcium and phosphorus, which help build your baby's bones and teeth.Vitamin D deficiency is common during pregnancy. Inadequate vitamin D can lead to abnormal bone growth, fractures, or rickets in newborns. Some studies link vitamin D deficiency to a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight, but more research is needed to confirm these links.The symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency can be subtle. They may include achy muscles, weakness, bone pain, and softened bones, which may lead to fractures.You can also have a vitamin D deficiency without any symptoms. And if that happens while you're pregnant, your baby can suffer a deficiency, too.Vitamin D dosage is a topic of debate. The Institute of Medicine currently recommends that all women – whether or not they're pregnant or breastfeeding – get 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D or 15 micrograms (mcg) each day.
But many experts believe that 600 IU isn't nearly enough. The Linus Pauling Institute, for example, recommends all adults take 2,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D each day. The Endocrine Society says 600 IU may be enough, but some people – including pregnant and breastfeeding women – may need 1,500 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D.In 2015, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated that more safety research is needed before the organization would recommend more vitamin D than what's in a standard prenatal vitamin. Ask your healthcare provider for advice about how much vitamin D you need during pregnancy.Fish liver oil, fatty fish, and eggs all contain vitamin D. But not many other foods contain vitamin D naturally, so a lot are fortified with this important vitamin. Be sure to check labels: Some cheeses, yogurts, and cereals are fortified while others aren't. (All milk is vitamin D fortified.)Here are some of the best food sources of vitamin D:Maybe. Most prenatal vitamins only contain 400 IU (10 mcg) of vitamin D, and it's difficult to get sufficient vitamin D from foods alone, even when you choose fortified foods.