The relationship between maternal and fetal vitamin D, insulin resistance, and fetal growth

Reprod Sci. 2013 May;20(5):536-41. doi: 10.1177/1933719112459222. Epub 2012 Sep 11.

Abstract

Evidence for a role of vitamin D in maintaining normal glucose homeostasis is inconclusive. We sought to clarify the relationship between maternal and fetal insulin resistance and vitamin D status. This is a prospective cohort study of 60 caucasian pregnant women. Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), glucose, insulin, and leptin were measured in early pregnancy and at 28 weeks. Ultrasound at 34 weeks assessed fetal anthropometry including abdominal wall width, a marker of fetal adiposity. At delivery birth weight was recorded and fetal 25-OHD, glucose, C-peptide, and leptin measured in cord blood. Insulin resistance was calculated using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) equation. We found that those with lower 25-OHD in early pregnancy had higher HOMA indices at 28 weeks, (r = -.32, P = .02). No significant relationship existed between maternal or fetal leptin and 25-OHD, or between maternal or fetal 25-OHD and fetal anthropometry or birth weight. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency was high at each time point (15%-45%). These findings lend support to routine antenatal supplementation with vitamin D in at risk populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / metabolism*
  • Fetal Development
  • Fetal Macrosomia / blood
  • Fetal Macrosomia / etiology*
  • Fetal Macrosomia / physiopathology
  • Gestational Age
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Leptin / blood
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / physiopathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Leptin
  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D