Can Vitamin D Help Prevent Pre-Eclampsia?

Wednesday, October 03, 2007 by: Anita Khalek
Tags: pre-eclampsia, health news, Natural News

(NewsTarget) A major contributor to complications during pregnancy and postpartum periods, pre-eclampsia is a disorder characterized by sudden weight gain, fluid retention, high blood pressure, and swelling in the second and third trimesters. Other symptoms, including vision changes and headaches, may not always appear in rapidly advancing cases. Pre-eclampsia affects 5-8% of all pregnancies and is the cause of 15% of premature births.

Although there is currently no cure in conventional medicine, a physician typically would monitor the patient closely to manage the symptoms and protect the unborn baby. In some cases where pre-eclampsia is quite advanced, labor is induced to avoid major complications and to save the lives of the unborn child and mother.

In a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh School of the Health Sciences, the occurrence of pre-eclampsia was noted as being five times higher in women whose Vitamin D measured low during early pregnancy. Researchers also stressed that even slightly low Vitamin D measurements in pregnant women may double the likelihood of having the disorder. Even with prenatal vitamins, pregnant women remain at a high risk for the deficiency.

Low levels of Vitamin D, for both mother and child, are also associated with a high risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid problems, asthma and low birth weight. Additionally, the low availability of Vitamin D leads to an inefficient deposition of calcium in the bones. In another recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, insufficient levels of Vitamin D were found widespread, affecting more women in northern latitudes. A recent publication from The New England Journal of Medicine also elaborates on the deficiency of this vitamin, which according to the article exposes millions of children and adults to several serious conditions, occasionally fatal, including cancer, infectious diseases and osteoporosis.

Recent scientific evidence now argues that the current recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D, last updated in 1997, falls far short of the daily need and that both the health care community and the government health agencies are ignoring this epidemic. The current RDA values for Vitamin D are 200, 400 and 600 IU based on different age groups. While physicians show concern for toxicity at high levels, prominent Vitamin D researchers stress that the human body needs 1000 units per day for health maintenance and often more in climates where sun exposure is limited. They also argue that the present RDA should be at least five times higher to satisfy nutritional needs, and even more so for Blacks due to pigmentation.

Vitamin D is naturally available in fatty fish such as Salmon, Mackarel, Sardines, Eel and Tuna, and very high in Cod liver oil where one tablespoon yields 1,360 IU. Mushrooms are a good source of Vitamin D especially for vegans. From synthesis through the skin, sensible sun exposure is an excellent source for this vitamin, and all the more important for those living in northern climates, although also limited by the amount of clouds, smog, and UV (sunscreen) protection.

References:
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/174/9/12...

http://www.hoinews.com/news/news_story.aspx?...

http://www.upmc.com/Communications/MediaRela...
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249...

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.as...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D

About the author

Anita Khalek resides in North Carolina. As a total wellness advocate, she is a passionate believer in the healing power of Nature and is inspired by local, organic and fresh foods to nurture her family and friends. Anita is currently working on several projects including a cookbook. Visit her blog for fresh, healthy recipes at myFreshLevant.com.
Questions and suggestions can be directed to [email protected]