I feel that I blog and teach about Vitamin D and its role in reproductive health pretty much constantly. Since the pandemic began, there has been an increased awareness about the role that Vitamin D plays in the immune system, and in particular severity of disease with Covid infections. In these last two years I have performed more Vitamin D tests for immune-aware patients than in the five years prior. Since I am such a fan of adequate Vitamin D levels, particularly living here in the Canadian North, I applaud the increased awareness and attention to this vital micro-nutrient.
A new Turkish study has looked at Vitamin D as it relates to Covid-19-induced pregnancy complications. This link is all the more relevant with the high rates of infection of Covid across all populations (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) with the Omicron variant.
The study authors looked at how Covid-19 infection in pregnancy increased inflammatory cytokines and reduced ACE2 levels, which then increased the risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertensive (high blood pressure) pregnancies, and subsequently increased perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity. The study found that Vitamin D reduced the inflammatory cytokine storm and increased ACE2 levels, thus decreasing the risk of pre-eclampsia or hypertension in pregnant women with Covid-19.
Regardless of vaccination or booster status, testing Vitamin D levels in pre-conception and pregnancy is a priority for me, as is supplementing adequately to ensure adequate Vitamin D stores (ideally between 100 and 150nmol/L).
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey, visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com for free webinars and complete programs.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility or pregnancy patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com, or visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com/ce-courses-for-naturopathic-doctors.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Al-Kaleel, A. et al. (2022). Vitamin D may prevent COVID-19 induced pregnancy complication. Medical Hypotheses.