The role of vitamin D in pre-eclampsia: a systematic review

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2017 Jul 15;17(1):231. doi: 10.1186/s12884-017-1408-3.

Abstract

Background: The etiology of pre-eclampsia (PE) is not yet fully understood, though current literature indicates an upregulation of inflammatory mediators produced by the placenta as a potential causal mechanism. Vitamin D is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and there is evidence of an inverse relationship between dietary calcium intake and the incidence of PE. Evidence of the role of vitamin D status and supplementation in the etiology and prevention of PE is reviewed in this article along with identification of research gaps to inform future studies.

Methods: We conducted a structured literature search using MEDLINE electronic databases to identify published studies until February 2015. These sources were retrieved, collected, indexed, and assessed for availability of pregnancy-related data on PE and vitamin D.

Results: Several case-control studies and cross-sectional studies have shown an association between vitamin D status and PE, although evidence has been inconsistent. Clinical trials to date have been unable to show an independent effect of vitamin D supplementation in preventing PE.

Conclusions: The included clinical trials do not show an independent effect of vitamin D supplementation in preventing PE; however, issues with dose, timing, and duration of supplementation have not been completely addressed.

Keywords: Endothelial function; Pre-eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy-induced hypertension; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pre-Eclampsia / blood
  • Pre-Eclampsia / etiology*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / prevention & control
  • Vitamins / blood*
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D