Vitamin D Status in Pregnant Omanis: A disturbingly high proportion of patients with low vitamin D stores

Objectives:the objective of this study was to determine the vitamin d status of pregnant omanis by measurement of their circulating 25 hydroxy vitamin d levels.methods:blood samples were obtained from a cohort of 103 consecutive healthy pregnant omanis at the armed forces hospital, muscat, on their first antenatal visit. the study took place in may, june and july 2010.results:vitamin d deficiency was present in 34 (33%) of patients (25ohd3 <25 nmol/l), ‘at risk’ levels were found in 67 (65%) patients (25ohd3 25–50 nmol/l); two patients (1.9%) had values between 50 and 75 nmol/l, and no patients in the optimal range >75 nmol/l.conclusion:if confirmed, these findings indicate the need for vitamin d replacement during pregnancy and lactation. although not evidence based we recommend at least 1000 iu of cholecalciferol, (vitamin d3) daily.