Background:

Plasma vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in the newborn are dependent on maternal stores. Several studies showing a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women have been published last years. The aim of the study was to analyze 25(OH)D levels in cord blood after summer month, determine whether there is a relation with different variables.

Methods:

103 pregnant women were recruited between October and early December 2014, whose gestations took place during month of maximum sun exposure. Plasmatic 25(OH)D values were measured in cord blood at birth. Clinical record data were collected and a nutritional survey was made on maternal vitamin D and calcium intake and sun exposure. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Comparisons were performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, and correction for multiple comparisons using Bonferroni. P value <0.05 and <0.0083 for multiple comparisons were considered statistically significant.

Results:

Mean 25(OH)D value in cord blood was 12.36± 7.2 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 83.4% of women. A statistically significant correlation was observed between lowvitamin D levels and low vitamin D intake (correlation coefficient 0.29); Ethnic group, with the highest level in caucasic group (17.9 ± 5.83 ng/ml) and the lowest in indopakistani group (6.68 ± 4.2 ng/ml); the use of traditional clothing (5.64 ± 3.09 ng/ml); low sun exposure and dark skin phototype with a correlation coefficient of 0.67 and -0.48, respectively.

Conclusions:

There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women regardless of the season and increased sun exposure. Low vitamin D levels in cord blood were significantly related to ethnicity (Indopakistan and Maghreb), low sun exposure and dark skin phototype. No statistically significant differences were found between vitamin D levels and perinatal variables studied.

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