Predictors for 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in early pregnancy

Introduction: There are very few studies of vitamin D deficiency in Indonesia. Since vitamin D deficiency is indicated by the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) in blood, the present study aimed to analyse the predictive factors of 25(OH) D concentration in early pregnancy. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional observational study. The sample consisted of 67 pregnant women in their 1^st trimester of pregnancy. Parameters assessed included levels of 25(OH)D, glucose, and haemoglobin in the blood. Demographic information such as parity, family history of diabetes mellitus (DM), exposure to cigarette smoke, physical activity level, dietary intake, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Linear regression analysis was employed. Results: Mean concentration of 25(OH)D was 16.5 (6.6–34.1) ng/ml. Majority of the participants (77.6%) were deficient in vitamin D (25(OH)D <20ng/mL); only 1.5% had normal vitamin D levels (25(OH)D >30 ng/mL). Bivariate analysis performed revealed that vitamin D intake (p=0.002) and family history of DM (p=0.043) played a significant role in determining 25(OH)D concentration. Additionally, dietary vitamin D intake, blood glucose level, exposure to cigarette smoke, and parental DM history served as predictors of 25(OH)D concentration in 54.5% of cases. Conclusion: The findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency was high in the target population. Thus, it is critical to ensure that for pregnant women to take vitamin D supplements, since nearly 80% of pregnant mothers are vit D deficient. Vitamin D supplementation can be included in national pregnancy programmes.