1. How effective is public health policy in Scotland on vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy?
- Author
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Campbell R, Curran C, Hayward J, Godwin J, Johnston S, Armstrong J, and Collier A
- Subjects
- Female, Pregnancy, Humans, Vitamin D, Vitamins, Dietary Supplements, Seasons, Scotland epidemiology, Health Policy, Vitamin D Deficiency epidemiology, Vitamin D Deficiency prevention & control, Pregnancy Complications epidemiology, Pregnancy Complications prevention & control
- Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the uptake of universal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, its effectiveness in preventing vitamin D deficiency and the factors associated with these., Design: The regional public health organisation in Ayrshire, Scotland has a policy of universal provision of vitamin D supplements (10 µg/d) to all pregnant women for the duration of their pregnancy. Pregnant women in this area were recruited at their 12-week antenatal appointment. Blood samples were collected at the 12-week and 34-week appointments. To account for the seasonal variation, women were recruited in two cohorts: summer and winter. Telephone interviews were conducted at 34 weeks to assess the uptake of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy. Other variables were obtained from medical records., Setting: The study was conducted in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board in Scotland., Participants: 612 pregnant women (aged 15-44 years) living in Ayrshire (latitude 55°), Scotland., Results: Sixty-six percentage took supplementation as recommended. Consumption of supplementation was significantly associated with a higher median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations at 34 weeks. Despite this at 34 weeks, 33 % of the summer cohort had insufficient or deficient vitamin D status, while 15 % of the winter cohort had insufficient or deficient status. In multivariable analysis, only adherence and season were independent predictors of vitamin D status., Conclusions: While supplementation improved and maintained vitamin D status during pregnancy, it was not adequate to ensure all those insufficient at 12 weeks achieved sufficient status at the end of pregnancy.
- Published
- 2023
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