18 June 2014
A new study from Turkey found that severe vitamin D deficiency is very common in pregnant women and their newborns.
In the observational study, the vitamin D concentrations in blood samples of 97 pregnant women and in umbilical cord blood samples taken after birth were measured (1). All women were pregnant during sum-
mer and took no vitamin D supplements. The study results showed that only two women had sufficient vita-
min D levels (above 20 ng/ml). Overall, the average vitamin D level of the mothers and newborns was only
4.97 ng/ml and 4.29 ng/ml, respectively.
The researchers commented that covered dressing style, pregnancies in winter season, having dark skin and taking no vitamin D supplements are the major risk factors for severe vitamin D deficiency. Nation-wide vitamin D supplementation campaigns should target all pregnant women. Earlier studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is common in reproductive women in Turkey.
1 January 2011
Bones make up the human skeleton and provide structure, mobility and support while protecting the various organs of the body. Although bones may seem like hard and lifeless structures, they are living tissues. During a person’s lifetime the body constantly breaks down old bone and builds up new bone. Any time old bone is broken down faster than new bone is made, net bone loss occurs.
8 October 2013
A new US study suggests that producing genetically modified rice containing an increased amount of beta-carotene could be a good source of vitamin A for children in countries where deficiency in the vitamin is common.
3 December 2009
Vitamin D supplementation should be at least 700–1,000 IU per day to cover the needs for both fall and fracture prevention, according to a new review.
