Assessment of Vitamin D Deficiency in Lactating Women Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health concern affecting women of reproductive age worldwide. Lactating women are particularly vulnerable because of increased maternal nutritional demands and inadequate dietary intake, which may adversely affect both maternal health and breast milk vitamin D content. Early identification of vitamin D deficiency is essential for preventing maternal osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and impaired infant skeletal development.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among lactating women attending a tertiary care hospital and to evaluate its association with demographic, nutritional, and biochemical parameters.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ESIC Medical College, Kalaburagi, from November 2022 to October 2023. A total of 100 lactating women were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Demographic details, dietary habits, sunlight exposure, anthropometric measurements, and obstetric history were recorded. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, haemoglobin, and other relevant biochemical parameters were estimated. Vitamin D status was classified according to the Endocrine Society guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 27.1 ± 3.9 years. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was observed in 58% of women, while 24% had insufficiency and only 18% had sufficient vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with lower sunlight exposure (p=0.012), vegetarian diet (p=0.041), higher BMI (p=0.026), prolonged lactation (p=0.048), lower serum calcium (p=0.003), and lower hemoglobin levels (p=0.014). No significant association was observed with maternal age.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among lactating women attending a tertiary care hospital. Routine screening of high-risk mothers, nutritional counseling, adequate sunlight exposure, and appropriate vitamin D supplementation should be incorporated into postpartum care to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.