During pregnancy, it's important to make sure that you're getting all the necessary nutrients to support your health and the health of your growing baby.

One of the most crucial vitamins for pregnant women is vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. 

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bone growth and development. It also helps to regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

There are two main forms of vitamin D: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). While both forms can increase blood levels of vitamin D, D3 is considered to be the better form because it is more potent and has a longer half-life than D2.

 

How Much Vitamin D per Day is Recommended for Pregnant Women?

The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for pregnant women in the UK is 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day. However, some experts suggest that pregnant women may need up to 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per day to achieve optimal levels. This is because the body's production of vitamin D3 from sunlight is influenced by a range of factors, including skin colour, geographic location, time of day, and season.

While it's possible to get some vitamin D from sunlight and certain foods, such as oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals, it can be challenging to meet the recommended daily intake through diet alone. This is why many healthcare providers recommend taking a vitamin D supplement during pregnancy to ensure adequate levels.

We recommend our Vitamin D Spray, which contains 1000iu (25ug) of vitamin D3 per spray. We recommend one spray per day, preferably after a meal.

The Benefits of Vitamin D in Pregnancy

Research has shown that vitamin D plays a crucial role in promoting a healthy pregnancy and birth outcomes. Here are some of the potential benefits of vitamin D in pregnancy:

• Supports foetal bone and teeth development: Vitamin D helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, which are essential for the development of foetal bones and teeth.
• Reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia: Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can lead to high blood pressure and damage to organs. Studies have found that women with low vitamin D levels may be at a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia.
• Improves gestational diabetes outcomes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Research has shown that vitamin D may help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
• Supports immune function: Vitamin D helps to regulate the immune system, which is important for protecting against infections during pregnancy.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, with numerous potential benefits for both mother and baby. Pregnant women should aim to get at least 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D per day, but may need up to 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per day to achieve optimal levels.