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Study finds pregnant women may need more vitamin D

Category: Female Specific Tests

Vitamin D has recently been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, but new research from the Medical University of South Carolina suggests that women who have low vitamin D test scores may be at higher risk for certain pregnancy complications.

The study divided participants, who were all women in their 12th week of pregnancy, into three groups that received varying amounts of the vitamin, Health.com reports. Researchers found that women who were given the highest levels of vitamin D were less likely to go into labor early, give birth early or develop infections.

Lead researcher, Bruce Hollis, said that doctors have traditionally given conservative vitamin D recommendations to women due to fears of toxicity, but that this study invalidates those concerns.

"We didn't see a single adverse effect," he told the news source. "It was absolutely safe, and we saw a lot of improved outcomes. The risk of preterm labor was vastly decreased and so was the risk of other complications of pregnancy."

The Mayo Clinic also recommends higher levels of vitamin D intake for pregnant and nursing women.