Hypovitaminosis D in Pregnancy: Implication for the Risk of Development of Pregnancy Complications

Abstract

Vitamin D, a prohormone known traditionally to be involved in the metabolism of the bone  and teeth has over recent years been the focus of many scientific researches. Scientific evidence have shown that Vitamin D insufficiency is global problem and has been linked with several disease conditions, acute or chronic. Vitamin D has been shown to be involved in the control of endocrine and immune pathways, gene regulation and balance of various body metabolic processes. In fact its deficiency had been linked with chronic metabolic disorders and major pregnancy complications increasing fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Recent works have proven that Vitamin D might be a promising therapeutic and preventive tool in the management of these complications. Therefore, this review discusses the possible mechanisms in which Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency can contribute to the development of pregnancy complications in order to encourage more studies even at molecular level to find probable solutions.