Abstract
Author(s): USTYNA CZECH-KOWALSKA1,EWA WIETRAK2, MARTA POPIEL3
Adequate vitamin D intake and its status are important not only for bone health and Ca-Pmetabolism, but for optimal function of many organs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women arein a group of increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancyhas negative impact not only on women’s health but also on their offspring’s health. VitaminD deficiency during pregnancy may increase risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, bac-terial vaginosis, cesarean section and bone demineralization in pregnant women. Fetal vitaminD deficiency may lead to many negative clinical outcomes, including neonatal hypocalcaemia,hereditary rickets, decreased bone mineralization, disorders of enamel development, diabetesmellitus type 1, atopy and acute lower respiratory tract infections. Experimental studies un-derline role of vitamin D in fetal brain development. Vitamin D supplementation in dose of800 - 1000 IU/d in case of lack of vitamin D endogenous synthesis and/or low consumptionfrom diet is necessary during pregnancy and lactation to keep optimal vitamin D status of motherand offspring. Measurement of 25(OH)D concentration is a useful tool in management ofvitamin D supplementation according to its safety and efficacy (individualized therapy).