Relationship between vitamin D knowledge and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels amongst pregnant women. Issue 3 (24th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Toher, C.; Lindsay, K.; McKenna, M.; Kilbane, M.; Curran, S.; Harrington, L.; Uduma, O.; McAuliffe, F. M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of human nutrition and dietetics. Volume 27:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2013-08-24
• Subjects: Dietetics -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3871

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jhn12150-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jhn12150-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Pregnant women living at northerly latitudes are at risk of suboptimal vitamin D status. There is a paucity of studies correlating knowledge, attitudes and practices of vitamin D with serum levels amongst pregnant women. We aimed to determine the prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D status in pregnant women of various ethnicities attending two Dublin maternity hospitals and to assess levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning vitamin D.</p> </sec> <sec id="jhn12150-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 116 pregnant women of Irish, Asian, Sub‐Saharan African and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) origin. Vitamin D status was determined by measurement of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). We examined knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning vitamin D using an interview‐assisted questionnaire.</p> </sec> <sec id="jhn12150-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The median (interquartile range) 25OHD level was 25.9 (16.5–44.7) nmol L<sup>–1</sup>. Using a cut‐off point of <30 nmol L<sup>–1</sup>, the proportion at risk of deficiency was significantly higher among MENA (88%; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) and Sub‐Saharan African women (68%; <italic>P</italic> = 0.019) than Irish women (36%). Eighty‐two women (71%) reported they had insufficient knowledge about vitamin D and its sources. Vitamin D containing supplement usage was the strongest predictor of 25OHD levels ≥30 nmol L<sup>–1</sup> (odds ratio = 18.03, 95% confidence interval = 5.7256.8, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001).</p> </sec> <sec id="jhn12150-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Suboptimal vitamin D status is common in this cohort of pregnant women, especially among those of Sub‐Saharan African and MENA origin. Awareness of vitamin D dietary sources is poor among all subgroups. Recommending vitamin D containing supplements may be the best strategy at present for improving vitamin D status with a need for increased vitamin D education.</p> </sec> </abstract>