Pregnant Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are More Likely to be Vitamin D Insufficient than Pregnant Women without IBD

Abstract

Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk for vitamin D insufficiency, studying vitamin D status in women with IBD is of importance as the peak incidence of IBD occurs between 18-35 years of age. Currently there is no literature that evaluates vitamin D status in pregnant women with IBD. Therefore, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in pregnant women with IBD was assessed. This study demonstrated that pregnant women with IBD are more likely to be vitamin D insufficient than those without IBD. Further, the current recommended daily dosage of vitamin D supplements for all pregnant women is not appropriate to achieve vitamin D sufficiency, particularly for those with IBD. Appropriate clinical practice guidelines for vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy are needed for optimal prenatal care of pregnant women with IBD to improve their pregnancy outcomes.