Impact of vitamin D during pregnancy on maternal health

Background. The presence of 1 alpha-hydroxylase, the enzyme converting 25(OH) vitamin D3 into the biologically active form 1,25(OH) vitamin D3, on placental cells indicates the importance of vitamin D for the onset and development of a healthy pregnancy. Aim. In this article the potential consequences of vitamin D deficiency on maternal health are presented and discussed. Results. Gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsie, two severe diseases that can occur in pregnancy, have been associated with vitamin D deficiency in epidemiological studies but also some controversial results have been reported. Additionally the association of vitamin D deficiency with infertility, bacterial vaginosis, impaired muscle function leading to increased cesarean section rates, as well as postpartum depression and osteoporosis has been investigated. Discussion. Large supplementation trials are currently still lacking in almost all aspects and therefore final conclusions on the therapeutic benefits of vitamin D cannot be drawn yet.