Hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy: are we ready to recommend vitamin D supplementation?

Micronutrients in COVID-19 Positive Pregnancies

Pregnant women are considered among the high-risk population for COVID-19. Therefore, research for methods of treatment and prevention of COVID-19 positive pregnancies carries an importance. The aim of this study was to measure serum 25(OH)D, vitamin B12, and zinc levels in COVID-19 positive pregnant women to evaluate the role of these micronutrients in treatment and prevention. A total of 44 COVID-19 positive pregnant women who were hospitalized and treated at a tertiary clinic were included in this study. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was measured to be 9.70 ± 59.14. The mean serum zinc level was 62.58 ± 2.63, and the mean serum vitamin B12 level was 295.55 ± 302.48. All these variables were significantly lower than the accepted cut-off values (p < 0.001). These low values might have contributed to a deficiency in their immune response and thus made these patients susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Supplementation of micronutrients during the pandemic could be beneficial during pregnancy for prevention.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Spanish studies regarding the association between maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and perinatal outcomes

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis of Spanish studies assessed the association of maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels on perinatal outcomes. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science research databases were searched from inception through December 30 2017 using the terms 'vitamin D', 'pregnancy', and 'Spain'. Studies that compared first or second half of pregnancy normal 25(OH)D (≥30.0 ng/mL) versus insufficient (20.0-29.9 ng/mL) or deficient (<20.0 ng/mL) circulating levels and perinatal outcomes were systematically extracted. Data are presented as pooled odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for categorical variables or mean differences and CIs for continuous variables. Risk of bias was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Five cohort studies met inclusion criteria. The risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age infants, and birthweight was not influenced by first half of pregnancy maternal 25(OH)D levels. In addition, second half of pregnancy 25(OH) levels did not affect birthweight. Conclusion: Maternal 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy did not affect studied perinatal outcomes and birthweight.