Vitamin D3 in pregnancy

Vitamin D3-what role does it play in the body?

Vitamin D, along with vitamins A, E and K, is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that their assimilability depends on the diet one follows. The presence of fats in daily meals is necessary for their proper absorption. The primary role of vitamin D3 in the body is to regulate calcium and phosphate metabolism and maintain adequate bone mineral density. It allows for the proper development of the fetal skeletal system. It also affects the immune system. It is believed that during pregnancy, vitamin D may play a role in the occurrence of recurrent miscarriages or be a protective factor when it comes to pre-eclampsia.

Doses of vitamin D3 during pregnancy

Vitamin D3 is synthesized in human skin when exposed to UV rays. In our latitude, this is considered possible between May and September after at least half an hour of exposure to the sun without applying sunscreen. However, as is well known, UV filters are essential, especially for pregnant women, as they help avoid sunburn or discoloration. Overexposure may predispose to the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the future. For this reason, the PTGIP, in its guidelines on supplementation in pregnancy, recommends that all pregnant women supplement vitamin D3 at a dose of 1500-2000IU. In obese women, this dose can be increased to 4,000IU. However, taking larger amounts is discouraged due to side effects.

Vitamin D-products

In addition to sunshine and vitamin D supplementation in tablets, you can reach for foods naturally containing the vitamin during pregnancy. It is found in  oily fish such as herring, mackerel or salmon and egg yolk, among others. Vitamin D can also be found in milk or fatty cheeses.