A public health expert, Oluwayemisi Adegboye, has called for greater attention to vitamin D status during pregnancy, citing its importance in maternal nutrition and newborn health. Ms Adegboye, FCT coordinator of the Vitamin D Enhancement Project, made the call in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said researchers had investigated possible associations between low maternal vitamin D levels and pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm birth.

Ms Adegboye said that findings varied and that associations did not necessarily establish direct cause and effect. According to her, severe cases of neonatal hypocalcaemia could result in seizures, underscoring the importance of appropriate clinical assessment and care.

She said that these concerns should not create the impression that every baby born to a mother with low vitamin D levels would develop complications.

“Adequate maternal nutrition should be considered within routine antenatal care, while decisions on vitamin D testing and supplementation should reflect individual needs and professional medical advice. A blood test measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D can be used to assess vitamin D status when clinically indicated,” Ms Adegboye said.

The public health expert cautioned against diagnosing deficiency based solely on symptoms such as fatigue, back pain and muscle weakness, adding that these could have several other causes.

Ms Adegboye also warned pregnant women against taking high doses of vitamin D without medical supervision, explaining that excessive intake could cause dangerously high calcium levels and other complications.

“Pregnant women should discuss their nutritional needs with antenatal care providers to determine whether dietary adjustments, testing or supplementation were appropriate. Oily fish such as mackerel, commonly known as Titus, sardines and eggs are dietary sources of vitamin D,” Ms Adegboye said.

(NAN)