Hypovitaminosis D prevalence in pregnant women from poor communities of São Paulo and its associated risk factors

• Grant number: 21/14565-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: February 01, 2023 - January 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: José Mendes Aldrighi
• Grantee: José Mendes Aldrighi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Fernando Moreira de Andrade ; Liania Alves Luzia ; Milena Martello Cristófalo ; Romulo Negrini ; Soraya Gomes de Amorim Andrade

Abstract

Vitamin D is an indispensable element in bone mineralization and homeotase of calcium and phosphorus. However, recent studies have reported numerous other beneficial functions of vitamin D, particularly in the reduction of cardiovascular, infectious, neurological, autoimmune and metabolic diseases risks.In women, hypovitaminosis D assumes particular importance, not only because of its high prevalence, but also because of its impact in all stages of life, such as adolescence, pregnancy, breastfeeding and postmenopausal. Therefore, its maximum understanding is needed. Although studies regarding hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy are still scarce, this condition is related to high maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality, due to a clear association with gestational hypertensive syndromes, diabetes melllitus and preterm delivery. Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in pregnant women and to identify possible risk factors for hypovitaminosis in this population. Materials and Methods: This is a 2 years of duration longitudinal study. It will include pregnant women undergoing prenatal follow-up in each trimestre of pregnancy to evaluate their sociodemographic characteristics, history of health and prenatal care and dosages of 25(OH)D. Our work will be carried out in two research centers: the Cruz de Malta Care Center, with pregnant women at usual risk, and the General Hospital of Itapecerica da Serra, with a high-risk pregnant women population. Thus, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and its risk factors can be estimated and compared between both groups. (AU)