November 29, 2017

expert reaction to research on vitamin D during pregnancy

In a new study, researchers publishing in The BMJ, report that there is insufficient evidence to guide recommendations on vitamin D in pregnancy.

Dr Christoph Lees, Clinical Reader in Obstetrics at Imperial College London, said:

“We have been giving vitamin D almost routinely in antenatal clinics for several years without any good evidence.  It is time to stop and think about whether it is of any proven value.  And this very comprehensive paper suggests not.”

“The only indication for which Vitamin D might be useful – infant rickets – it showed no efficacy to prevent. It’s time to consider carefully what it is we are trying to prevent with its use.”

“It sounds trite to say that more research is needed – but it most surely is.  We need properly powered studies with a plausible research questions and outcome.”

* ‘Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: state of the evidence from a systematic review of randomised trials’ by Daniel E Roth et al. will be published in The BMJ on Wednesday 29th November.

Declared interests

None received.