Vitamin D and Pregnancy

Vitamin D is an essential steroid vitamin which forms a part of a group of fat soluble prohormones. It plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of phosphorus and calcium. If you are exposed to normal amount of sunlight everyday you won’t need to take Vitamin D supplements as you are already getting the required amount of vitamin D from the sunlight. There are five main forms of this vitamin D. These are vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, of these five forms D2 and D3 are the most important to human beings.

Vitamin D is essential because it is responsible for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. These are important as they help maintain healthy bones. It also helps regulate the immune system. Research conducted proves that it helps you fight problems like common cold. It is also known to reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis. Many doctors believe that it helps you maintain a healthy body weight and it ensures proper brain functioning in old age. Another research conducted proves that it reduces the frequency of asthma attacks and the being hospitalized because of this. Various other studies conducted have shown that people who get adequate levels of vitamin D are at a lower risk of developing cancer.

Vitamin D during Pregnancy

Vitamin D in pregnant women increases to a great extent during the second and third trimesters. It is during this time that the baby’s brain, bones, nervous system and other organ develop. Vitamin D contributes to a healthy pregnancy, the baby’s birth weight and bone mineralization. If you have Vitamin D supplements during your pregnancy your child will have stronger bones in later life. If you get the right amount of Vitamin D in childhood it reduces a lot of problem you may face in adulthood such as brain tumors, asthma, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia. So pregnant women should consume a prenatal vitamin prescribed by the doctor. Some pregnant women can’t tolerate it so the doctor then prescribes a multivitamin. Infants who are fed breast milk also need to have a vitamin D supplement. If an infant is fed formula it needs a vitamin D supplement for as long as it’s drinking at least one liter formula per day. The doctor will be able to tell you the required dose to be given. Since babies and little children are at a greater risk of toxicity you have to be very careful with the dosage hence always consult a doctor before giving them any Vitamin supplement.