VITAMIN D is necessary by the body for a variety of functions, including the maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Vitamin D deficiency can also affect the immune system’s strength. Researchers have recently revealed that vitamin D levels also affect pregnancy.

According to a study undertaken by the pregnancy charity Tommy’s, pregnant women with low vitamin D levels are more likely to miscarry than pregnant women with adequate levels.

The findings are the outcome of the charity’s evaluation of four randomized control trials and six observational studies involving a total of over 7,000 people.

Women who were deficient in vitamin D were found to be twice as likely to miscarry. The findings shed light on the importance of vitamin D during pregnancy.

“We know vitamin D is essential for bone development in the developing baby,” research lead author Dr Jennifer Tamblyn said.

“The placenta also produces large amounts of the active form of vitamin D.”

“There is research showing an important role for vitamin D in early pregnancy, including regulation of maternal-foetal immune responses and blood vessel development, which are important for healthy pregnancy,” Dr. Tamblyn continued.

Any pregnant or breastfeeding woman, as well as all adults, should take no more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D per day, according to the CDC.

“Vitamin D has only really been known for its role in late pregnancy complications,” Dr. Tamblyn said, “but our review supports another role for it too, which could help encourage women to learn about the benefits of taking supplements early.”

Vitamin D supplements are cheap and easy to get. During the winter, when there is less sunlight, it is often suggested that more people take them.

However, most people’s bodies can make everything they need from the sun between April and September.

Scientists hope to establish whether a low dose of vitamin D taken early on in pregnancy can protect against loss; however, there aren’t enough studies in this area to draw a firm conclusion.

Meanwhile, it’s a good idea to know where to get vitamin D so that your levels stay healthy.

Salmon, red meat, liver, egg yolks, and other fortified foods are all good sources of vitamin D.

It’s crucial to remember that while someone can be vitamin D deficient, they can equally be vitamin D overdosed.

Too much vitamin D in the body for an extended length of time can harm the bones, heart, and kidneys.

Furthermore, too much vitamin D can lead to hypercalcaemia, a condition in which the body accumulates calcium.

While it is possible to take too many vitamin D tablets, excessive sun exposure has its own set of risks, including skin cancer and heat stroke.

Image Credit: Getty

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