[Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in pregnant women in the Hospital of Sagunto area (Valencia): PrevitaD Study].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our healthcare area to implement strategies aimed at reducing its frequency.

METHODS

A descriptive prospective study was conducted, including 701 pregnant women who were managed in the healthcare area of Sagunto. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in blood were determined during the first trimester of pregnancy, and women with suboptimal vitamin D levels were treated. Demographic characteristics of participating women were analyzed to identify factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all the variables.

RESULTS

Mean vitamin D levels in the overall population were 19.6 ng/ml. Of them, 52.5% had levels <20 ng/ml, requiring oral vitamin D supplementation, while 97% of women of African origin had suboptimal levels. Pregnant women with obesity or overweight and those aged <25 years old (62% and 71%, respectively) showed inadequate levels of vitamin D to a greater extent than women without overweight or ≥25 years old. Samples collected in winter and spring had lower levels of vitamin D compared to those from other seasons.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we observe high rates of vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester of pregnancy, with suboptimal levels in four out of ten women. Additionally, we identify different factors associated with vitamin D levels, which shows risk groups of deficiency.