Association of Modifiable and Nonmodifiable Factors with Vitamin D Status in Pregnant Women and Neonates in Oakland, CA

There is little information on the contribution of modifiable vs nonmodifiable factors to maternal and neonatal vitamin D status in temperate regions of the United States The purpose of this cross-sectional observation study conducted between December 2006 and February 2008 was to identify associations between observed and measured maternal characteristics and vitamin D status at term in pregnant women and their infants in a multiethnic community in Oakland, CA Two hundred seventy five pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years and carrying a singleton fetus were recruited and data from 210 mother-infant pairs were included in analyses Analysis of covariance identified predictors of maternal and cord serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in a multivariate model considering vitamin D intake, lifestyle factors, and skin pigmentation Maternal serum 25(OH)D was significantly associated with season of delivery (P=0 0002), average daily D intake (P=0 0008), right upper inner arm pigmentation (P=0 0035), and maternal pre- or early pregnancy body mass index (calculated as kg/m(2)) (P=0 0207) The same factors were significant for cord serum 25(OH)D, which was highly correlated with maternal serum 25(OH)D (r=0 79, P<0 0001) During the year, 54% of mothers and 90% of neonates had 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL (<75 nmol/L) Of women taking daily prenatal vitamin/mineral supplements (400 IU vitamin D), 50 7% had serum 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL (<75 nmol/L) In conclusion, 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL (<75 nmol/L) was prevalent in mothers and neonates across racial groups and seasons, and vitamin D status was associated with both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors J Am Diet Assoc 2011,111 111 116