Pregnancy: Preliminary results on calcium and vitamin D status

FERNÁNDEZ MC; DUPRAZ H; PINTO KRAMER A; BRITO G; LOPEZ L; ZENI S; PARISI MS; OLIVERI B

Buenos Aires

Congreso; XXIV Reunion anual AAOMM; 2007

AAOMM

Studies performed at our section demonstrated that individuals in different age groups have insufficient calcium intake and low levels of vitamin D. Few studies have evaluated vitamin D and calcium nutritional status in pregnant women. Objectives: To evaluate nutritional status and parameters of bone and mineral metabolism of healthy pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and to determine the relation between these parameters and socioeconomic level, race, and length of sun-exposure. 66 women attending 2 hospitals in Buenos Aires were studied. Clinical records were made; the patients were interviewed by a nutritionist and answered a questionnaire to determine socioeconomic level and sunexposure. Blood and urine samples were obtained from 50 women to perform biochemical determinations (iPTH, 25OHD, Ca, CTX, bAP, and Ca/creat). Results: Calcium and vitamin D intake was below the recommended dose in 44% and 56%, respectively. Biochemical determinations performed on the subgroup showed insufficient serum levels of 25OHD: 88% exhibited levels below 30 ng/ml and 4% below 10 ng/ml. No significant differences in 25OHD were observed among races. Negative correlation was observed between 25OHD and iPTH levels (pb0.01). 53% was low socioeconomic class and exhibited significantly lower 25OHD levels (pb0.05) and less sun exposure than middle class subjects. The pregnant women presenting higher calcium intake showed significantly lower CTX values (pb0.05). Conclusions: Approximately half the population reported inadequate average intake of calcium and vitamin D. The low 25OHD levels and the higher level of bone resorption observed in the group presenting the lowest calcium intake suggest the need for calcium and vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy.