Association between Maternal and Neonatal Vitamin D status and the Development of Congenital Anomalies

Abstract

itamin D is not only a lipid-soluble vitamin, but also a steroid hormone that can be synthesized endogenously. It has an important role in calcium (Ca)-phosphorus (P) homeostasis Molecular and genetic studies confirm that vitamin D also has role in epigenetic modification and it modulates the risks of several other human diseases, including autoimmune disorders. During pregnancy, vitamin D plays a vital role in embryogenesis, especially fetal skeletal development and calcium homeostasis. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which can indirectly affect offspring health. It is also associated with direct effects on offspring health such as low birth weight, poor skeletal health, impaired brain development and congenital anomalies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential association between maternal and neonatal vitamin D status and the subsequent development of congenital anomalies. This case-control study involving 30 mothers and their neonates born with gross structural congenital anomalies