ESPE Abstracts

Background: There is increasing interest in vitamin D nutrition during pregnancy because of widespread reports of a high prevalence of low vitamin D status in pregnant women in high-latitude areas. It has been related to adverse events in mother and child. Neonates present a greater risk of hypocalcaemia, rickets and a higher incidence of infections during the 1st year of life.

Objective and hypotheses: Real situation of pregnant women and newborn in relation of phosphorous-calcium metabolism.

Method: Prospective descriptive study between January and July 2015 (preliminary results). Plasma 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and PTH levels were measured in third trimester of pregnancy and in cord blood at birth. Clinical history epidemiology data were collected and a nutritional survey was made on maternal vitamin D and calcium intake and degree of sun exposure.

Results: 85 pregnant women and newborn were studied. 25OHD was analyzed mean 9.93 ng/ml (range 4–23.9), calcium 8.67 mg/dl (5–10.20). Mean 25(OH)D value in cord blood was 10.38±5.8 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D<20 ng/dl) was present in 95,2% IC 95% (88.4–98.7)of pregnant women and newborns. We found a statistically significant relationship between maternal vitamin D levels and race, Africans had lower levels. We didn’t find differences between vitamin supplementation during pregnancy. In 41% of women vitamin D and calcium intake was adequate. There was no association between 25OHD in pregnancy and birth somatometry. We didn’t find differences in type of delivery or preterm birth.

Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women was very high after the winter months and in their offspring. Calcium and vitamin D intake during pregnancy are inadequate in our area so it is necessary to develop healthy programs. Further studies are necessary to determine optimal vitamin D intakes for pregnant and lactating women as a function of latitude and race.