The effect of place of residence and lifestyle on vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy: Comparison of eastern and western parts of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the predictive factors of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and the compliance with "The National Vitamin D Support Program" at Turkey's easternmost and westernmost provinces.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Lifestyles of women at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy were assessed using a questionnaire form, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels were measured.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) in pregnant women had a prevalence of 27.8% in İzmir and 76.3% in Erzurum. The compliance of "The National Vitamin D Support Program" was 8% in İzmir and 32.6% in Erzurum. Clothing style, fish consumption, seaside holiday duration, and 1200 IU/day vitamin D replacement had an effect on 25(OH)D3 levels in pregnant subjects in İzmir, whereas only holiday duration and 1200 IU/day vitamin D replacement affected 25(OH)D3 levels in Erzurum. However, when a threshold for 25(OH)D3 level was considered ≥32 ng/mL, lifestyles did not affect 25(OH)D3 level.

CONCLUSION

The effect of lifestyle on 25(OH)D3 level in pregnancy is limited, especially in cold regions. We recommended increasing the compliance with "The National Vitamin D Support Program" at the follow-up of all pregnant women, irrespective of region and season.