Association Between Prenatal Nutritional Intake and Vitamin D Status in Newborns

Abstract

Introduction: The vitamin D status of newborns is entirely dependent on placental transfer from the mother during pregnancy. Neonatal vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in various regions, including Southeast Asia, but evidence regarding the specific contribution of prenatal nutritional intake to neonatal vitamin D status is limited. 

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between prenatal nutritional intake (milk consumption, multivitamin supplementation, and vitamin D supplementation) and newborn vitamin D status..

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two hospitals in Makassar (August 2022-January 2023). A total of 87 full-term infants with normal birth weight were recruited by consecutive sampling. Cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were analyzed using the ELISA method, while prenatal nutritional intake data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Association analysis was performed using the Fisher's Exact test with a significance level of p < 0.05. 

Results: The median vitamin D level of newborns was 13.99 ng/mL (8.85-61.43 ng/mL). 81.6% of subjects had suboptimal vitamin D status (55.2% insufficiency and 26.4% deficiency). Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy showed a significant association with newborn vitamin D status (p = 0.004), with a higher proportion of infants with sufficient status in the group taking Vitamin D supplements. In contrast, multivitamin consumption (p = 0.565) and regular milk consumption during pregnancy (p = 0.420) did not show a statistically significant association with newborn vitamin D levels. 

Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is significantly associated with adequate newborn vitamin D status. These findings recommend integrating vitamin D supplementation as an essential component of antenatal care to prevent vitamin D deficiency and support long-term health.