Vitamin D in pregnancy – You need 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day and should consider taking a supplement containing this amount between September and March. Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
- Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to summer sunlight (from late March/early April to the end of September).
- It’s not known exactly how much time is needed in the sun to make enough vitamin D to meet the body’s needs, but if you’re in the sun take care to cover up or protect your skin with sunscreen before you start to turn red or burn.
Vitamin D is also in some foods, including:
oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines)eggsred meat
Vitamin D is added to some breakfast cereals, fat spreads and non-dairy milk alternatives. The amounts added to these products can vary and might only be small. Because vitamin D is only found in a small number of foods, whether naturally or added, it is difficult to get enough from foods alone.
- Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful.
- You can get vitamin supplements containing vitamin D free of charge if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and qualify for the Healthy Start scheme,
- Information: There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).
But there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19.
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Contents
- 0.1 How much vitamin D should you take during pregnancy?
- 0.2 Can I take 1000mg of vitamin D when pregnant?
- 0.3 Can too much vitamin D be harmful in pregnancy?
- 1 Should I take vitamin D or d3 when pregnant?
- 2 Does vitamin D affect fetal brain?
- 3 Can vitamin D cause birth defects?
- 4 Should you take vitamin D all throughout pregnancy?
- 5 What does vitamin D do for babies in the womb?
- 6 Can I take vitamin D3 5000 pregnant?
- 7 Is vitamin D3 the same as vitamin D?
- 8 What should I take vitamin D3 or D?
How much vitamin D should you take during pregnancy?
By reading this page you agree to ACOG’s Terms and Conditions. Read terms Number 495 (Reaffirmed 2021) Committee on Obstetric Practice This document reflects emerging clinical and scientific advances as of the date issued and is subject to change. The information should not be construed as dictating an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed. ABSTRACT: During pregnancy, severe maternal vitamin D deficiency has been associated with biochemical evidence of disordered skeletal homeostasis, congenital rickets, and fractures in the newborn. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to support a recommendation for screening all pregnant women for vitamin D deficiency. For pregnant women thought to be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels can be considered and should be interpreted in the context of the individual clinical circumstance. When vitamin D deficiency is identified during pregnancy, most experts agree that 1,000–2,000 international units per day of vitamin D is safe. Higher dose regimens used for treatment of vitamin D deficiency have not been studied during pregnancy. Recommendations concerning routine vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy beyond that contained in a prenatal vitamin should await the completion of ongoing randomized clinical trials. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin obtained largely from consuming fortified milk or juice, fish oils, and dietary supplements. It also is produced endogenously in the skin with exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D that is ingested or produced in the skin must undergo hydroxylation in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D), then further hydroxylation primarily in the kidney to the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This active form is essential to promote absorption of calcium from the gut and enables normal bone mineralization and growth. During pregnancy, severe maternal vitamin D deficiency has been associated with biochemical evidence of disordered skeletal homeostasis, congenital rickets, and fractures in the newborn 1 2, Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency is common during pregnancy especially among high-risk groups, including vegetarians, women with limited sun exposure (eg, those who live in cold climates, reside in northern latitudes, or wear sun and winter protective clothing) and ethnic minorities, especially those with darker skin 3 4 5, Newborn vitamin D levels are largely dependent on maternal vitamin D status. Consequently, infants of mothers with or at high risk of vitamin D deficiency are also at risk of vitamin D deficiency 5 6, For the individual pregnant woman thought to be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, the serum concentration of 25-OH-D can be used as an indicator of nutritional vitamin D status. Although there is no consensus on an optimal level to maintain overall health, most agree that a serum level of at least 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) is needed to avoid bone problems ref07 8 9 http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/VitaminD, Retrieved December 16, 2010.”>10, Based on observations of biomarkers of vitamin D activity, such as parathyroid hormone, calcium absorption, and bone mineral density, some experts have suggested that vitamin D deficiency should be defined as circulating 25-OH-D levels less than 32 ng/mL (80 nmol/L) 11, An optimal serum level during pregnancy has not been determined and remains an area of active research. In 2010, the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies established that an adequate intake of vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation was 600 international units per day 12, Most prenatal vitamins typically contain 400 international units of vitamin D per tablet. Summarizing recent observational and interventional studies, the authors of a recent clinical report from the Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that a daily intake higher than that recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board may be needed to maintain maternal vitamin D sufficiency 13, Although data on the safety of higher doses are lacking, most experts agree that supplemental vitamin D is safe in dosages up to 4,000 international units per day during pregnancy or lactation 12, At this time there is insufficient evidence to support a recommendation for screening all pregnant women for vitamin D deficiency. For pregnant women thought to be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, maternal serum 25-OH-D levels can be considered and should be interpreted in the context of the individual clinical circumstance. When vitamin D deficiency is identified during pregnancy, most experts agree that 1,000–2,000 international units per day of vitamin D is safe. Higher dose regimens used for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency have not been studied during pregnancy. Recommendations concerning routine vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy beyond that contained in a prenatal vitamin should await the completion of ongoing randomized clinical trials. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to recommend vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of preterm birth or preeclampsia.
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Can I take 1000mg of vitamin D when pregnant?
C ONCLUSION – As we mentioned initially, obstetric endocrinology is a field marked by both opportunity and caution. With the available evidence regarding vitamin D supplementation, and the conflicting interpretations of whatever has been published, it becomes challenging to issue evidence-based guidelines.
However, the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy is potentially even greater than in the nonpregnant state. Yet, we continue to prescribe lower doses to pregnant women than to their nonpregnant peers, perhaps because of an unfounded fear of side effects. Symptomatic or documented vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women should be treated in the same manner as in nonpregnant individuals.
Daily doses of 4000 units/day are recommended for treatment in pregnancy. The use of lower doses of vitamin D, as contained in most prenatal calcium preparations (100-800 IU) cannot be condoned in symptomatic patients, or in those with documented low levels.
- In healthy, asymptomatic antenatal women, 1000-2000 IU can be supplemented daily in the second and third trimesters, without fear of vitamin D toxicity or teratogenicity.
- No safety data, however, is available for the first trimester with this dose, either.
- Serum alkaline phosphate, a surrogate marker of vitamin D deficiency, cannot be used as such in pregnancy, because of the placental secretion of this enzyme.25 hydroxy vitamin D levels may be measured in each trimester, if easily affordable.
In routine practice, however, this investigation is not necessary. In resource constrained settings, patients on vitamin D therapy can be screened for hypercalcemia by checking for calcium crystalluria. As in other fields of obstetric endocrinology, there is an urgent need for greater research in vitamin D therapeutics in pregnancy.
While we wait for more robust data, we should continue to supplement this nutrient in all pregnant women from the 12 th week of gestation onwards. Daily doses of 1000-2000 IU can be recommended in all antenatal women in South Asia, without estimating serum 25(OH) D levels. Higher doses can be used in symptomatic antenatal women, and in those with documented severe deficiency.
Recent studies suggest that higher doses, as used in non pregnant women, are safe and effective, and as more data become available, one may recommend standard weekly regimens. However at present it may be safest to adhere to 4000 IU/day as a standard practice in India.
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Can too much vitamin D be harmful in pregnancy?
Risks of too much vitamin D intake during pregnancy – When taking vitamin D during pregnancy, be aware that excessive supplementation can occur with vitamin D, leading to toxicity. Hypercalcemia refers to a buildup of calcium in the blood and can happen to the fetus when too much vitamin D is ingested.
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Should I take vitamin D or d3 when pregnant?
What does this mean for me? – Taking vitamin D supplements during the summer months is a new recommendation for the average adult. Normally, we are advised to consider taking supplements during the winter months when we may not have access to a lot of direct sunlight.
However, pregnant woman are always recommended to take vitamin D supplements in pregnancy because it helps your baby’s bones, teeth, kidneys, heart and nervous system to develop. All pregnant women should take a 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D each day to give your baby enough vitamin D for the first few months of life.
Breastfeeding mums should take a vitamin D supplement as well. Do not take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. Midwives should now be discussing the importance of taking vitamin D supplements and eating a healthy, balanced diet with all pregnant women.
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What trimester is vitamin D most important?
Vitamin D is an essential fat soluble vitamin and a key modulator of calcium metabolism in children and adults. Because calcium demands increase in the third trimester of pregnancy, vitamin D status becomes crucial for maternal health, fetal skeletal growth, and optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Can I take 50000 IU of vitamin D weekly pregnant?
Conclusion: The 50,000 units of vitamin D in pregnant mothers with vitamin D deficiency increases serum level, compared to lower doses of vitamin D. This dose can be considered as a safe dose both for mothers and neonates.
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What vitamins shouldn’t I take when pregnant?
Are there any vitamins I should avoid? – Yes. If you’re pregnant, you should avoid supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A (retinol) – as too much of it can harm your baby’s development. You should also avoid liver and liver products (including fish liver oil), as they are high in vitamin A.
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Does vitamin D affect fetal brain?
Background – Vitamin D is important for brain function and linear growth. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked with impaired neurodevelopment during early childhood. However, there is limited evidence from population-based studies on the long-term impact of vitamin D deficiency on cognitive development and linear growth.
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Can vitamin D cause birth defects?
Can taking vitamin D in pregnancy cause my baby to be born with birth defects? – A baby’s body and most internal organs are formed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is mainly during this time that some medicines are known to cause birth defects.
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Can low vitamin D3 cause miscarriage?
Vitamin D deficiency linked to higher risk of miscarriage – University of Birmingham Women with low vitamin D levels are more likely to suffer a miscarriage.
Women with low vitamin D levels are at significantly increased risk of miscarriage, a new study reveals.Scientists say that assessing vitamin D levels and treating deficiency before conception may offer greater benefit compared to only taking vitamin D during the first trimester – but call for more research to confirm this approach.Led by experts at the University of Birmingham, the research team at Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research evaluated every study into the impact of Vitamin D during pregnancy – finding a significant association between vitamin D levels and the risk of miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage.The team also looked at whether vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of miscarriage, and if the timing of vitamin D assessment, treatment or dose changes miscarriage risk – publishing their findings in Fertility & Sterility.
Can you take folic acid and vitamin D together?
Interactions between your drugs – No interactions were found between folic acid and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
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Should you take vitamin D all throughout pregnancy?
Vitamin D – Vitamin D is very important throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Your body needs vitamin D to keep your heart, bones and teeth healthy. Your developing baby needs it for the same reasons. If your baby doesn’t get enough vitamin D, it can also cause seizures (fits) after they’re born.
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What does vitamin D do for babies in the womb?
What are the effects of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy? –
More recent epidemiologic and case–control studies show a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and adverse pregnancy outcomes – not limited to fetal growth, and include preeclampsia and bacterial vaginosis. In addition, adequate nutritional vitamin D status during pregnancy is important for fetal skeletal development, tooth enamel formation, and perhaps general fetal growth and development. There also is mounting evidence to suggest that vitamin D deficiency impacts on the immune function, not only of the mother, but also of the neonate and infant through the first year of life.
What is the most important vitamin while pregnant?
What are prenatal vitamins? Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins for pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant. Compared to a regular multivitamin, they have more of some nutrients that you need during pregnancy. Your health care provider may prescribe a prenatal vitamin for you, or you can buy them over the counter without a prescription.
- Take a prenatal vitamin every day during pregnancy.
- If you’re planning to get pregnant, start taking prenatal vitamins before you get pregnant.
- Your body uses vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in food to strong and healthy.
- During pregnancy, your growing baby gets all necessary nutrients from you.
So you may need more during pregnancy than you did before. If you’re pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more), you may need more nutrients than if you’re pregnant with one baby. Your prenatal vitamin contains the right amount of nutrients you need during pregnancy.
- If you’re a vegetarian, have food allergies or can’t eat certain foods, your provider may want you to take a supplement to help you get more of certain nutrients.
- A supplement is a product you take to make up for certain nutrients that you don’t get enough of in foods you eat.
- For example, your provider may recommend that you take a vitamin supplement to help you get more vitamin D, iron or calcium.
Which nutrients are most important during pregnancy? All nutrients are important, but these six play a key role in your baby’s growth and development during pregnancy:
- Folic acid
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- DHA
- Iodine
What is folic acid? Folic acid is a B vitamin that every cell in your body needs for healthy growth and development. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects (also called NTDs).
- Before pregnancy take a vitamin supplement with 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
- Take a vitamin supplement with 400 mcg of folic acid each day, even if you’re not trying to get pregnant.
- During pregnancy, take a prenatal vitamin each day that has 600 mcg of folic acid in it.
Check the product label to see how much folic acid is in it. If you’re at high risk for having a baby with an NTD, talk to your provider about how you can safely take 4,000 mcg of folic acid each day to help prevent an NTD. Start taking 4,000 mcg at least 3 months before you get pregnant and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. You’re at high risk if:
- You’ve had a pregnancy with an NTD in the past.
- You or your partner has an NTD.
- Your partner has a child with an NTD.
Don’t take several multivitamins or prenatal vitamins. You can get too much of other nutrients, which may be harmful to your health. Your provider can help you figure out the best and safest way for you to get the right amount of folic acid. You can also get folic acid from food.
Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and beans are all excellent sources of folic acid. Some foods are also enriched with folic acid, such as cereals, bread, rice and pasta. What is iron? Iron is a mineral. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
You need twice as much iron during pregnancy than you did before pregnancy. Your body needs this iron to make more blood so it can carry oxygen to your baby. Your baby needs iron to make his own blood. During pregnancy you need 27 milligrams of iron each day.
- Lean meat, poultry and seafood
- Cereal, bread and pasta that has iron added to it (check the package label)
- Leafy green vegetables
- Beans, nuts, raisins and dried fruit
Foods containing vitamin C can increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. It’s a good idea to eat foods like orange juice, tomatoes, strawberries and grapefruit every day. Calcium (in dairy products like milk) and coffee, tea, egg yolks, fiber and soybeans can block your body from absorbing iron.
- Infections.
- Anemia. This means you have too little iron in your blood.
- Fatigue. This means you feel really tired or exhausted.
- Premature birth. This means your baby is born too soon, before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Low birthweight. This means your baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces.
What is calcium? Calcium is a mineral that helps your baby’s bones, teeth, heart, muscles and nerves develop. During pregnancy, you need 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day. You can get this amount by taking your prenatal vitamin and eating food that has a lot of calcium in it. Good sources of calcium include:
- Milk, cheese and yogurt
- Broccoli and kale
- Orange juice that has calcium added to it (check the package label)
If you don’t get enough calcium during pregnancy, your body takes it from your bones and gives it to your baby. This can cause health conditions, such as osteoporosis, later in life. Osteoporosis causes your bones become thin and break easily. What is vitamin D? Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.
It also helps your body’s nerves, muscles and immune system work. Your immune system protects your body from infection. Vitamin D helps your baby’s bones and teeth grow. During pregnancy, you need 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D each day. You can get this amount from food or your prenatal vitamin.
Good sources of vitamin D include:
- Fatty fish, like salmon
- Milk and cereal that has vitamin D added to it (check the package label)
What is DHA? Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a kind of fat (called omega-3 fatty acid) that helps with growth and development. During pregnancy, you need DHA to help your baby’s brain and eyes develop. Not all prenatal vitamins contain DHA, so ask your provider if you need to take a DHA supplement.
- Herring, salmon, trout, anchovies, halibut, catfish, shrimp and tilapia
- Orange juice, milk and eggs that have DHA added to them (check the package label)
What is iodine? Iodine is a mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, which help your body use and store energy from food. You need iodine during pregnancy to help your baby’s nervous system develop. The nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) helps your baby move, think and feel.
- Fish
- Milk, cheese and yogurt
- Enriched or fortified cereal and bread (check the package label)
- Iodized salt (salt with iodine added to it; check the package label)
Last reviewed September, 2020
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Can I take 10000 IU vitamin D3 while pregnant?
Discussion – In this exploratory study we found that adding high dose vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy to routine care of women with MS had significant effect on the serum 25(OH)D levels, EDSS, and number of relapse events during pregnancy and within 6 months after delivery. The serum 25(OH)D levels before supplementation were about 17 ng/ml in our pregnant women with MS. Therefore, the primary aim of our study was to bring the serum 25(OH)D levels of the women in vitamin D3 supplemented group to > 40 ng/ml zone, which is often considered the critical physiological lower limit for protect patients with MS.9, 22 – 24 After high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation, an average serum level of 33.7 ng/ml reached. While serum level of routine care group decreased. No unusual or unexpected safety risks were found with high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in our pregnant women with MS 6 months after delivery. Previous studies have shown that high dose vitamin D3 is fairly safe in non-pregnant MS patients.13, 25 We paid particular attention to the EDSS and number of relapses since the anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D3 could particularly influence these variables. Our findings showed a significant decreased EDSS and mean number of relapses during pregnancy in vitamin D3 supplemented group. While the efficacy of vitamin D3 supplementation for treatment of MS in non-pregnant adults has been examined in a few small non-controlled trials with variable results, 14 – 16, 26 only one open-label randomized controlled trial conducted over 52 weeks, which treated 25 patients with escalating doses of vitamin D compared with control.13 This trail provided some evidence of the potential benefit of the high dose vitamin D3 on several outcomes i.e. the annualized relapse rate, EDSS score, suppression of T-cell proliferation and illustrated a measure of comparative safety in the relative absence of any adverse events or of high serum calcium level over the study period. Our findings in pregnant women with MS are consistent with this study in non-pregnant MS adult patients that found high-dose vitamin D3 (~10,000 IU/day) is safe, with evidence of immunomodulatory effects.13 To the best of our knowledge, no study is available adding high dose vitamin D3 to routine care in pregnant women with MS. The mechanisms whereby vitamin D3 supplementation exerts positive effects on MS course in pregnant women are not clear because there is not enough research in this area. Similar to non-pregnant MS patients, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects are probably most important. However, low serum 25(OH)D appears to be an important modifiable external risk factor for MS course in pregnant women with MS. Relative low serum 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy may worsen the course of MS by influencing metabolic pathways in the myelinating central nervous system that we do not understand at present. Furthermore, prevention of demyelination has also been demonstrated in a model of toxic demyelination.27 Albeit, this study is only controlled trials to date of effect of high-dose oral vitamin D3 on the serum 25(OH)D level, EDSS, and number of relapses in pregnant women with MS the sample sizes was small, and was limited by the loss to follow-up of 37/52 of the original baseline cohort. Hence, selection and volunteer bias cannot be ruled out. The efficacy should, therefore, be tested in a larger sample. The present results clearly need to be replicated and extended across multiple centers and investigators. Serum levels of 25(OH)D are often quite low in MS patients.5 Thus, we expect that low serum levels of 25(OH)D will be detected in pregnant women with MS. From an ethical point of view and bearing in mind the importance of vitamin D3 for bone metabolism, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effect, it would be difficult not to supplement these women with vitamin D3. On the other hand, we do not know, at which doses or serum levels vitamin D3 start to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Thus, we choose the maximum dose for which sufficient safety data are available, which currently corresponds to 10,000 IU/day.28 Thus, it appears wise to supplement all pregnant women with MS currently in a state of vitamin D3 deficiency or insufficiency in order to bring their serum 25(OH)D to >40 ng/ml level which might be neurologically beneficial for the course of the disease. Although vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is thought to be common among pregnant women, and substantial evidence supports the safety of even large dose of vitamin D3 in non-pregnant individuals, such evidence is based on studies of limited size and duration and there is no evidence of its usefulness and safety in pregnant women. A recent Cochrane review on vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy conclude that the clinical significance of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy and the potential use of this intervention as a part of routine antenatal care are yet to be determined as the number of high-quality trials and outcomes reported is too limited to draw conclusions on its usefulness and safety. There is no evidence that vitamin D supplementation prevents pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, caesarean section, gestational hypertension, or death in the mothers; or preterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal death, neonatal admission to intensive care unit, newborns with low Apgar score or neonatal infection. The number of trials and outcomes reported are too limited, and, in general, are of low quality, to draw conclusions on the usefulness and safety of this intervention as a part of routine antenatal care. Further rigorous randomized trials are required to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy.29 In addition, it is well-established that pregnant women with MS have a low risk of relapse and that lactation does not increase the risk of relapses. There is also no evidence that hormonal effects of pregnancy or lactation are different in women with MS compared with healthy women.30, 31 The best level of 25(OH)D for health is uncertain.22 Many experts believe that blood levels of 25(OH)D > 40 ng/ml are adequate.9, 22 – 24 Some investigators also suggested that levels higher than 40 ng/ml may further help protect patients with MS.9, 17, 23, 24, 32, 33 The US Institute of Medicine has determined that concentrations greater than 50 nmol/l or 20 ng/ml are adequate based on the current studies available.34 However, there is controversy regarding the 25(OH)D levels that are considered adequate or optimal for overall health. It has been suggested that a supplemental dose of vitamin D of 1000 to 1600 IU (25-40 µg/d) might be necessary to achieve the optimal level of this vitamin in the body.33 This dose is expected to raise serum 25(OH)D by 1.2 nmol/l for every µg (40 IU) of vitamin D 3 given orally to individuals with low 25(OH)D levels; those with higher baseline concentrations would have smaller increments with the same dose.33 However, the dose of vitamin D needed to have an effect during pregnancy or to prevent or treat vitamin D deficiency is not clear. Some researchers have suggested that doses around 1000 IU/d may be needed in order for pregnant women to maintain a blood concentration of vitamin D of more than 50 nmol/l (20 ng/ml).35 Others have suggested providing vitamin D as weekly doses of 5000 IU (125 µg/week) 36 or a single dose of 200,000 IU (5 mg) or greater (9).37 Weekly high-doses of up to 280,000 IU vitamin D3 and long-term treatment with a mean weekly dose of at least 70,000 IU for 36 weeks have been well-tolerated in non-pregnant adults.6, 13 Furthermore, non-pregnant patients with MS tolerated a pilot dose-escalation trial up to 40,000 IU/day.13 A daily supplement of 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 is considered advisable for all adults with normal renal function 22, 28 and this dose should be routinely recommended to all women, particularly women with insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels, during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, our study suggests that the dose of 50,000 IU/week vitamin D3 in patients with insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels, which is well above current recommendation for pregnant and lactating women, may be considered relatively safe. Although this trial was not powered nor blinded to properly address clinical outcomes, we observed that clinical outcomes appeared to favor the treatment group.
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Is vitamin D3 5000 IU good for pregnancy?
The Importance of Vitamin D3 in Pregnancy The Importance of Vitamin D in Pregnancy During pregnancy, there is a lot of talk about nutrition, vitamins, supplements, and so on. The information can be overwhelming, we understand. In this blog, we look at vitamin D, as well as what you need to know about vitamin D and pregnancy.
Please note that this blog is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; Sweet Child O’ Mine is sharing general information about vitamin D and pregnancy. As always, please consult with your medical provider with any questions you may have regarding this information and/or your medical condition.
What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found naturally in a few foods, may be added to other foods, ingested as a supplement, and can also be obtained through sun exposure, which undergoes a different process. The best natural, food-based source of vitamin D is fatty fish (such as trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils.
Beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks have small amounts of vitamin D. Almost all of the U.S. cow milk supply is fortified with Vitamin D, as are the majority of plant-based milks, such as soy, almond, and oat milk. Because Vitamin D is fat-soluble, it is best absorbed when taken with a meal or snack that contains fat.
Per the : ” helps your body absorb calcium, one of the main building blocks for strong bones. Together with calcium, vitamin D helps protect you from developing osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens the bones and makes them more likely to break.
Your body needs vitamin D for other functions too. Your muscles need it to move, and your nerves need it to carry messages between your brain and your body. Your immune system needs vitamin D to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Please also note that high levels of vitamin D can be harmful, so it is important to monitor your vitamin D levels with your medical professional.
Find more about the impact of too much vitamin D, What Do I Need to Know About Vitamin D and Pregnancy? Maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated (to varying degrees) with preeclampsia, low birth weight, preterm labor, infections during pregnancy, neonatal hypocalcemia, poor postnatal growth, bone fragility, and increased incidence of autoimmune diseases.
- In other words, maternal vitamin D status can influence maternal, fetal, and breast-fed infant health.
- Digs into severe vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy.
- Published a study that was reaffirmed in 2017, which states: “When vitamin D deficiency is identified during pregnancy, most experts agree that 1,000–2,000 international units per day of vitamin D is safe Recommendations concerning routine vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy beyond that contained in a prenatal vitamin should await the completion of ongoing randomized clinical trials.” Recommended dosage for Vitamin D is typically 4000 IU for pregnancy and 6000 IU for postpartum.
At Sweet Child O’ Mine, we usually just recommend 5000 IU per day. We sell the NOW brand Vitamin D3 5,000 IU small softgels, 120 count. This is a four month supply for $11.00. Sweet Child O’ Mine Is Here For You Your team of midwives is here to support you in caring for yourself and your baby.
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Can I take vitamin D3 5000 pregnant?
Daily versus stat vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy; A prospective cohort study – PubMed Background: Despite favorable climatic conditions, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is widespread in Pakistan. Current study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of VDD in Pakistani pregnant women and effectiveness of various regimen of Vitamin D supplementation.
Methodology: This hospital-based prospective cohort study included pregnant women at 12th to 24th weeks of gestation attending Gynae clinic from October 2018 to April 2019. Patients were classified into control and treatment groups (Groups: G1, G2 and G3) according to the dose of vitamin D supplementation.
Patients received various regimens of vitamin D including 2000 IU/day (G1), 5000 IU/day (G2) and stat 200000 IU (G3). The levels of vitamin D were measured before and after supplementation. The effectiveness of dosages were compared between and within the groups.
- Moreover, factors associated with vitamin D sufficiency and insufficiency were ascertained using appropriate statistical methods.
- Results: Among 281 pregnant women (mean age: 28.22 ± 4.61 years), VDD was prevalent in 47.3% cases.
- Vitamin D supplementation caused significant rise in the levels 25(OH)D in treatment groups, while there was no significant difference in control group.
The highest mean increment in vitamin D (23.14 ± 11.18 ng/ml) was observed with dose 5000 IU/day followed by doses 200000 IU stat (21.06 ± 13.73 ng/ml) and 2000 IU/day (10.24 ± 5.65 ng/ml). Vitamin D toxicity was observed in one patient who received 200000 IU stat of vitamin D.
- The frequency of VDD following the supplementation was 5.7%.
- Education status, duration of sun exposure and use of sunblock was substantially associated with vitamin D sufficiency in the current study.
- Conclusion: Our findings underscore the high proportion of VDD among pregnant women in Pakistan.
- Maternal vitamin D supplementation substantially improved the levels of 25(OH)D.
Of three used regimens, the dose of 5000 IU/day is considered safe and equally effective as of 200000 IU stat. Since pregnancy is a time of tremendous growth and physiological changes for mother and her developing fetus with lifelong implications for the child, gestational vitamin D supplementation should be considered to ensure the optimal vitamin D accrual in pregnant women.
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Is vitamin D3 the same as vitamin D?
What’s the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3? – There are two possible forms of vitamin D in the human body: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Both D2 and D3 are simply called “vitamin D,” so there’s no meaningful difference between vitamin D3 and just vitamin D.
Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D the human body makes when sunlight strikes the skin. The body can’t manufacture vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is found in animal sources of foods, like fatty fish and fish oil, liver, organ meats, and egg yolks. Vitamin D2 primarily comes from plant sources (like wild mushrooms), and forms when certain kinds of plants are exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun. Vitamin D2 is also less expensive to produce, so it is the form most commonly used to fortify foods, like milk, cereal products, and orange juice.
Do you need D3 in pregnancy?
Vitamin D is a steroid vitamin from a group of fat-soluble prohormones. Vitamin D and pregnancy are important together. Expecting mothers need to make sure they get the recommended amounts of vitamin D during pregnancy for both their own well being and the healthy development of their baby. The most significant compounds for human development are D2 and D3.
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What should I take vitamin D3 or D?
Should I take vitamin D or D3? – Vitamin D (D2) and vitamin D3 are each effective vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D2 is approved in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D resistant rickets, and hypophosphatemia. Both supplements are commonly used for vitamin D supplementation.
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