Vitamin D3 is important for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, muscle function, and cell division. It is also important for the absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, the maintenance of normal blood calcium concentration, the normal function of the immune system and inflammatory response.
In this article you can find:
- What is vitamin D?
- Why is vitamin D important in pregnancy?
- How much vitamin D should I take during pregnancy?
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins that are absorbed along with dietary fat and can be stored in the body’s fatty tissue). Vitamin D is naturally found in some animal products, such as the flesh of fatty fish. Small amounts can also be found in beef, liver, cheese, and egg yolks. However, the amount of vitamin D found in these foods is dependent on the animal’s diet. This form of vitamin D is referred to as vitamin D3.
Vitamin D can also be found in mushrooms. However, the form of vitamin D found in mushrooms is referred to as vitamin D2. Research distinguished that vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 have equal health benefits in the recommended dosages, however their actions may vary slightly at high doses – when the impact of vitamin D2 is less potent. Moreover, vitamin D3 tends to be the form in which many individuals are deficient in.
Why is vitamin D important in pregnancy?
Since vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate found in the body, is helps regulate the amount in our baby’s body too. Calcium is needed to help strengthen the baby’s rapidly developing bones and teeth, as well as boost muscle, heart, and nerve development. Like calcium, phosphate also helps strengthen the baby’s bones. It is also incredibly important for many bodily functions such as clotting, kidney function, tissue and cell repair, muscle concentrations and a normal heart rhythm.
How much vitamin D should I take during pregnancy?
It is recommended that pregnant women, as well as breast feeding mothers, supplement with 10ug of vitamin D3 each day. Sona D 400 contains 10ug of vitamin D3 per tablet. Sona Pregnaplan Complete is a complete multivitamin/multimineral with omega 3 fish oil which also contains the recommended 400iu of vitamin D as well as a comprehensive range of nutrients especially formulated for before, during and after pregnancy.
References
- Ding, D., Lo, T., Wu, T., & Li, P. (2019). Effect of Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Tzu Chi Medical Journal, 31(4), 201. doi: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_32_19.
- EHRLICH, G. (2010). Sunshine and Vitamin D. A Comprehensive Guide to the Benefits of the “Sunshine Vitamin”. The Journal Of Rheumatology, 37(2), 475-475. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.091173.
- (2021). Retrieved 16 June 2021, fromhttps://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/acute-hospitals-division/woman-infants/clinical-guidelines/nutrition-during-pregnancy.pdf.