I came across a number of items linking Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy with problems. Here's a short list of potential issues:
- Low Vitamin D increases the risk of preeclampsia, a complication during pregnancy
- It may increase the risk of schizophrenia
- High Vitamin D may decrease the risk of asthma
- High Vitamin D may strengthen kid's bones
- Low Vitamin D may increase the risk of rickets
Another one that surprised me was the possible connection between Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis. Some scientists say that 80% of MS cases could be eliminated by proper Vitamin D during pregnancy and childhood.
For an even longer list of issues related to Vitamin D and pregnancy, the Vitamin D council has a list as well.
So how much Vitamin D should pregnant women take? The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends 2,000 IU per day. The Vitamin D Council recommends 5,000 IU per day. Other medical groups are now looking at revising their own recommendations for Vitamin D during pregnancy.
