Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Pregnancy on Risk of Pre-eclampsia

Effect of Antenatal Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Risk of Pre-eclampsia

Vitamin D deficient pregnant ladies were selected and randomized into 2 groups for routine daily dose of multivitamin (400IU vitamin D3) versus maximum safest treatment daily dose (4000IU vitamin D3). Participants were assessed and compared for number of pre-eclampsia cases.

Vitamin D3 has key role in decidualization and implantation of placenta.Vitamin D deficiency is thought to have positive association with pre-eclampsia.Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in some parts of the world and it is not universally screened antenatally. Pre-eclampsia is a known multifactorial pregnancy disorder with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Vitamin D3 has a down-regulating effect on inflammatory pathways and reducing endothelial cell damage.

Investigators want to assess in vitamin D deficient group whether treatment reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed singleton pregnancy of less than 13 completed weeks of gestation at the time of consent.
• Planned to receive antenatal care in King Fahad Medical City antenatal clinic.
• The ability to provide written informed consent at the first visit.
• Low risk pregnancy; and Serum vitamin D3 levels less than < 25nmol/L.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mothers with pregnancy with abnormal foetus.
• Previous history of hypertension, pre-eclampsia, recurrent miscarriages.
• Chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and malignancy.