Researchers have found that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk for severe preeclampsia, a serious and sometimes fatal disorder of pregnancy, according to a recent article in The New York Times.
Characteristics of preeclampsia include high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine.
Using over 3,700 blood samples of women at an average of 21 weeks gestation, researchers found that 717 had mild of severe preeclampsia. Women with vitamin D levels higher than 50 had a 40 percent reduction in relative risk for severe preeclampsia compared with those with levels under 50. There was no association of vitamin D level with mild preeclampsia.
"Severe preeclampsia is rare," said Lisa M. Bodnar, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. "And we can't determine whether low vitamin D causes it. Women should not run out to the drugstore and buy vitamin D supplements. If you're concerned, you should talk to your health care provider and continue to take your prenatal vitamins." Read the full article here:
Low Vitamin D Tied to a Pregnancy Risk
An alarming association between a lack of vitamin D and severe complications for mom and baby have been found. This underscores the need for good prenatal care and the use of prenatal vitamins, along with eating right.
If you believe your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, please call to investigate your matter fully. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.