Vitamin D and Reproduction: From Gametes to Childhood

• Main Authors: Krista D. Sowell, Carl L. Keen, Janet Y. Uriu-Adams
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2015-11-01
• Series: Healthcare
• Subjects: vitamin D; vitamin D supplementation; pregnancy; fertility; toxicity; preeclampsia; gestational diabetes; allergic disease
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/3/4/1097

Vitamin D is well recognized for its essentiality in maintaining skeletal health. Recent research has suggested that vitamin D may exert a broad range of roles throughout the human life cycle starting from reproduction to adult chronic disease risk. Rates of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy remain high worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of fertility problems, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and allergic disease in the offspring. Vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods thus supplementation can provide an accessible and effective way to raise vitamin D status when dietary intakes and sunlight exposure are low. However, the possibility of overconsumption and possible adverse effects is under debate. The effect of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and early life on maternal and infant outcomes will be of particular focus in this review.