Vitamin D

Thousands of women and babies die each year from preeclampsia, life-threatening disorder that occurs during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Preeclampsia is a disorder of widespread vascular endothelial malfunction and vasospasm characterized by rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to convulsions, stroke, multiple organ failure and death of the mother or baby. In developing nations, incidence of the disease is 4-18% with hypertensive disorders being the second most common cause of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. In fetus, preeclampsia can lead to ischemic encephalopathy, growth retardation, and the various sequelae of premature birth. Eclampsia is estimated to occur in 1 in 200 cases of preeclampsia when magnesium prophylaxis is not administered. Studies suggest that maternal vitamin D or calcium deficiency may increase the risk of preeclampsia. A diet that provides 1000 mg /day calcium is a cheap means of reducing the risk of preeclampsia, while doing no harm. The present study showed that calcium status improved and severity of preeclampsia was reduced on vitamin D supplementation. So, Vit D and calcium should be included as routine protocol in all pregnant females.