Vitamin D in pregnancy: What we know and what we need to know

The role of vitamin D in the promotion of human health has received much attention in recent decades, yet evidence to support a benefit of vitamin D supplementation for prevention of adverse health outcomes is often debated. In particular, the importance of vitamin D for the protection against several adverse perinatal outcomes remains uncertain owing to contradictory findings from observational studies and clinical trials. As neonatal vitamin D status is dependent on maternal stores, there is a general appreciation that avoidance of maternal vitamin D deficiency is required for adequate protection of the fetal skeleton. Trial evidence supports a greater vitamin D requirement during pregnancy for the prevention of neonatal deficiency, yet neonatal requirements are not considered in current UK or international guidelines for prenatal vitamin D intakes. This webinar will provide an overview of the potential consequences of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. The strengths and limitations within the field of vitamin D-related research will be discussed, in view of understanding the current state of the evidence surrounding the role of vitamin D in pregnancy, postpartum, and early life.

What will I gain from this webinar?

• You will gain an understanding of the changes in vitamin D metabolism that occur during pregnancy.
• You will be able to critically evaluate the current state of evidence for the role of vitamin D in pregnancy and early life.
• You will be able to identify current knowledge gaps relating to recommendations for vitamin D intakes during pregnancy and postpartum.