Vitamin D and pregnancy

Dr. Carol L. Wagner, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina says that based on most recent studies, a supplement delivering 4,000IU of vitamin D per day during pregnancy is absolutely safe and much more appropriate than 400IU/daily. 

Higher doses of vitamin D have been linked with lower rates of infection, less gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, reduced incidence of preterm birth and other benefits. For decades, 400IU/day was considered to be the right dose - in fact it is an inconsequential amount - not enough to make a difference. Wagner says that her research team was surprised. Their main goal was to show safety of vitamin D supplementation and they were blinded to the treatment group. Wagner says their findings are “a small revolution.” 

4,000IU is absolutely safe during pregnancy with a clear trend to fewer complications associated with this higher dose. Women trying to get pregnant can benefit too. Vitamin D is the only nutrient that comes from the sun, not from the diet. Deficiency is at epidemic levels worldwide, but despite what was once thought, it’s an exceptionally safe nutritional supplement with profound benefits for mother and baby. Breastfeeding mum? Find out what dose you should be taking...