Evaluation of the relationship between vitamin-D status and age of pregnant women in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey

Abstract

Aims: Vitamin D (Vit-D) is an essential fat-soluble vitamin for the body whose central role is to regulate phosphorus and calcium homeostasis. Various studies have shown that Vit-D deficiency in pregnant women can have adverse consequences for the mother and the fetus. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between Vit-D level and age in pregnant women in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. Methods: A total 214 pregnant women analyzed Vit-D between 2015 and 2018 were included in this study. Pregnant women were divided into two groups as under 30 years old and over 30 years old. Serum Vit-D levels were measured by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Vit-D < 12 ng/mL was considered as Vit-D deficiency, and 12-20 ng/mL was considered as Vit-D insufficiency. Results: There were 139 (64.95%) women under 30 years old and 75 (35.04%) women 30 years and older. There were 90 women (42.05%) with Vit-D  deficiency and 92 women with Vit-D insufficiency (42.99%).  The proportion of those under 30 years old who had the deficiency and insufficiency level of Vit-D was 60/91 (65.9%) and 61/91 (67.03%), respectively. The pregnant women aged 30 years and older with Vit-D deficiency and insufficiency were 31/91 (34.06%) and 30/91 (32.96%).  There was no significant association between women ages and Vit- D levels (p = 0.381). Conclusion: Although the relationship between Vit-D levels in women younger than 30 years of age and older is not statistically different, we found that Vit-D deficiency is common in pregnant women in the Western Black Sea region. Vit-D supplementation should be considered in pregnant women to reduce morbidity and effects on fetuses and newborns during pregnancy and lactation.