The use of vitamin D has the potential to improve maternal and neonatal health by reducing the incidence of serious pregnancy complications like preeclampsia.
A recent meta-analysis spanning over 19 randomized controlled studies revealed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia in expectant mothers, as published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine.
Preeclampsia is a concerning complication during gestation, which poses serious health maternal and neonatal risks.
The analysis, conducted by Zainab Alimoradi et al. using a combination of different statistical models, put forward the benefits of vitamin D.
After exploring 5 renowned scientific databases, 19 randomized studies were included. The Cochrane Tool Checklist (CTC) was used to evaluate the methodological grade of these studies. As per the risk ratio (RR), about a 39% reduction in preeclampsia risk among those who received vitamin D compared to their counterparts was observed. Also, the risk difference (RD) highlights a 3% lower risk in the vitamin D-supplemented group, a promising sign for pregnant women.
The number needed-to-treat (NNT) stood at 29. Meaning- For every 29 pregnant women who receive vitamin D supplementation, one case of preeclampsia could be prevented!
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
The effect of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy on the incidence of preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Zainab Alimoradi et al.
Comments (0)