Letter to the Editor: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia

Madam, pregnancy is a state of increased requirement of macro- and micro-nutrients, making the pregnant women susceptible to develop deficiencies of various micronutrients. Pregnant women in several countries have been reported to have low circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] levels. Vitamin D has now been shown to be of considerable importance not only for bone health, but also for glucose regulation, immune function and good uterine contractility in labour. Vitamin D deficiency correlates with infertility, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, bacterial vaginosis and an increased risk for cesarean delivery. The aim of this letter is to summarize the available evidence on the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the risk of preeclampsia and to report any trials of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on this outcome, especially if reported from developing countries.