A review of the literature on the association between vitamin D status and the risk of preeclampsia

Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of disability and death among women of reproductive age in developing countries, constituting at least 18% of the global burden of disease in this age-group. Preeclampsia is a serious, pregnancy-specific disorder that affects up to 8% of pregnant women. Preeclampsia may lead to maternal and offspring mortality and it increases the risk of premature birth and fetal growth restriction. Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulatory agent. There is an evidence pointing toward an association between the vitamin D status and preeclampsia risk. The purpose of the present study is to review the available literature investigating the role of serum levels of vitamin D in preeclampsia.The study findings further highlight the possibility that vitamin D deficiency is a strong, independent risk factor for preeclampsia and vitamin D supplementation may be a simple step to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes providing lifelong benefits both to the mother and her developing child.