Adequate vitamin D may lower risk of miscarriage

It appears that vitamin D may play a protective role in pregnancy.  This news is from findings of a study from the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Studies from the past have found that women undergoing in vitro fertilization had a higher success rate if they had higher levels of vitamin D.  What this new study wanted to find out was if there was any evidence on a link between vitamin D and pregnancy rates/pregnancy loss among women not using in vitro fertilization to become pregnant.

For the study, 1,200 women were recruited who had had a previous miscarriage but before they got pregnant again.  Researchers examined their levels of vitamin D before they had conceived and then again after conception when the women were 8 weeks along.  Revelations from the study showed that women who had sufficient vitamin D levels, defined as having at least 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) or more, were 10 percent more likely to become pregnant and 15 percent more likely to have a live birth than those with lower levels of vitamin D.

Of the women who became pregnant, for every 10 ng/ml increase in vitamin D before conception, there was an associated 12 percent lower risk of a miscarriage.  But by the eighth week of pregnancy, vitamin D levels were no longer linked to pregnancy loss.

The researchers stated that although this study does not prove cause and effect, it does indicate that more research is needed to determine if women should take vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of miscarriage among women at high risk.

Tips for increasing vitamin D status

One of the most crucial vitamins needed for long-term health is vitamin D.  Unlike other vitamins, it acts more like a hormone than a vitamin, directly affecting genes responsible for controlling nearly every aspect of cell development. Inadequate intake of vitamin D can lead to excess fatigue, depression, possibly increase cancer risk and diabetes, decreases immune functioning and can lead to weak bones. 

The importance of a good intake of this nutrient is vital, but how much do you need?  Children age 1 and older and adults between the ages of 19 and 70 should get an average of 600 international units a day. The same amount is recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Individuals 71 years of age and older, should get in an intake of 800 international units of vitamin D each day. 

Part of the problem of so many people who are vitamin D deficient is that there are not many foods naturally rich in this nutrient.  Some of the best natural sources include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, which are also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.  Other good sources include beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, and mushrooms.  Your best bet is to also include foods that have been fortified with vitamin D, like milk, cereal, orange juice, yogurt, and soymilk.

Your body can make its own vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun. However, too much exposure to sunlight can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer.  Some experts recommend sun exposure to the arms and legs for 15-20 minutes at least twice a week.  Sunscreen will block the body’s ability to produce vitamin D so once you’ve been out for 15-20 minutes, put on your sunscreen.  For those who live in northern states, it is nearly impossible to get enough vitamin D from sun exposure between October and April.  Shade, clouds, and dark-colored skin also reduce the amount of vitamin D your body can make from the sun.  

Another way to obtain sufficient vitamin D is to take a supplement of it.  Before self-dosing with a vitamin D supplement, discuss with your doctor what a proper amount should be for your age and taking into consideration any health conditions you may have.