EFFECT OF VITAMIN – D SUPPLEMENTATION ON SERUM VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM LEVELS IN URBAN AND RURAL PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Background: A normal level of vitamin D along with serum calcium levels during pregnancy is very important for foetal skeletal development, tooth enamel formation and perhaps general foetal growth and development. The present study aim is to find out the serum calcium levels in pregnant women based on their living area during the prenatal period. Materials & methods: It is a prospective study, done in 100 pregnant women who were allocated randomly into two groups based on living location. After giving 6000 IU of vitamin– D intervention, the calcium levels are measured at the end of 3 months and the variables were obtained before and after the intervention. Results: The mean difference of serum calcium levels 9.49±0.05, 8.97±0.025 in rural, urban pregnant women respectively after the vitamin - D supplementation [p<0.0001] after 3 months. Conclusion: Early intervention at reproductive age, fifth and seventh month of gestational age, regular screening and including in antenatal program, high dose of vitamin - D supplementation would be effective to prevent deficiency and improve the vitamin status.