Effect of calcium and vitamin D intake on maternal and neonatal anthropometric parameters

Vitamin D is essential for the health of pregnant women and their newborns. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the outcome of pregnancy and maternal calcium and vitamin D intake.

This cross-sectional study included 449 healthy pregnant women at the time of delivery and also their newborns after delivery. Maternal and neonatal anthropometric data were collected and Calcium and Vitamin D intake was determined. The mean values for vitamin D and calcium intake in mothers were 2.26±1.87 µg/d and 816.284±370.47 mg/d respectively.

Our findings showed that, the mean Apgar score and height of the newborns whose mothers had adequate calcium and vitamin D intake were higher than those of infants of mothers with inadequate intake (p=0.04, p=0.03; respectively).

Our study showed a significant correlation between adequate maternal calcium and vitamin D intake and appropriate neonatal birth weight, height and one-minute Apgar score. We found that mothers with adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D had greater weight gain. Therefore proper nutritional plans for pregnant women are necessary. Consumption of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, in particular dairy products, fortification of foods and addition of supplements to diet regimen of the population at risk of developing such nutritional deficiencies should be taken into consideration.