The doctor told about the dangers of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy

Modern women often wonder what vitamins they should take during pregnancy. Ksenia Mekhedova, a gynecologist at Dr. Alexandrovsky Medical Center, told Izvestia on December 14 about whether it is necessary to take vitamin D during pregnancy.

"Taking vitamin D during pregnancy is necessary. There are active discussions about its preventive dose, but 600-1,200 international units per day is a safe range. <...> In case of vitamin D deficiency, which we determine by blood tests, an increased dose is prescribed. The maximum safe daily dose for pregnant women is 2-4 thousand IU per day," explained Mekhedova.

According to her, vitamin D is necessary for the assimilation of phosphorus and calcium in the intestine, which, in turn, are necessary for bone health. It is also involved in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, supports metabolic processes, prevents obesity, is important for the synthesis of sex hormones, the health of the immune and cardiovascular systems.

Vitamin D deficiency affects most of humanity. According to studies, in the Russian Federation, 70-95% of the population has it. These figures vary depending on the time of year. Pregnant and lactating women even when taking vitamin complexes and calcium preparations are still at risk of vitamin D deficiency, the doctor said.

According to the expert, there are several observational studies suggesting a link between vitamin D deficiency in the mother and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, for example, vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and low birth weight babies.

The expert noted that the main source of vitamin D is the skin, which synthesizes it under the influence of ultraviolet rays, but there are current recommendations to reduce the time spent in the sun and the use of sunscreens that reduce the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin by 95-98%.

"There are a growing number of high-profile claims in the scientific world about the effects of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women on skeletal health in children, on the risk of bronchial asthma and even autism, attention deficit hyperreactivity disorder (ADHD). But all this is still under a big question and definitely requires additional study," - summarized Mehedova.

Earlier, on December 3, the medical director of Mindly, endocrinologist-nutritionist, specialist in preventive and anti-aging medicine Karina Avramova told "Izvestia" about how to preserve skin health with the help of dietary supplements. According to her, omega-3 fatty acids are the basis for moisturized and firm skin. They strengthen cell membranes and prevent moisture loss. It is recommended to take 1,000-2,000 mg of EPA and DHA daily.