#300 : Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Women of Reproductive Age in Singapore

Abstract

Background and Aims: Vitamin D is known to play an essential role in bone and mineral metabolism. There have been more studies reporting the association of low vitamin D levels with fertility problems and undesirable pregnancy outcomes. Guidelines have recommended Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy. However, this is still not routine in our local practice. Our study aims to assess the Vitamin D levels in pregnant women in their first trimester, to establish the need for Vitamin D supplementation in our population. Method: A prospective cohort study was performed at the antenatal outpatient clinic of the largest obstetric centre in Singapore between October 2020 to April 2021. 5 ml was blood was collected and a standard asset of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels was performed on pregnant women at their antenatal booking visit. They were stratified into sufficient, insufficient, moderately deficient, and severely deficient. Results: A total of 93 women participated in our study. Only 2.2% of this study population had sufficient Vitamin D levels. In women who had insufficient Vitamin D levels, it was inversely co-related to their body-mass-index (BMI). Interestingly, the older the women, the less likely they were likely to be Vitamin D deficient. In women with peri-conceptual multivitamin supplementation, the average Vitamin D levels for those with supplementation was 2.1ng/ml higher that those without supplementation. This study period coincided with COVID-19 pandemic, who could impact on the outdoor activity duration in our study population. Conclusion: Vitamin D levels are generally low in our local women of reproductive age group. The role of routine testing of Vitamin D levels with an aim for supplementation should be considered.