Vitamin D status in pregnant and non-pregnant women in a Kurdistan region-north Iraq

Abstract EN

Background and objectives Maternal vitamin D deficiency is a common finding during pregnancy and is a widespread public health problem in many populations.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D and the current vitamin D status among a sample selected from the healthy women in Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Methods A cross-sectional study was made of 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels of 300 apparently healthy women (200 pregnant and 100 non-pregnant).

They were selected from women attending the Antenatal care unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department , Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok, during the period from May 2012 to November 2012.

Results The study confirms that vitamin D status is low among pregnant and non- pregnant women in a Kurdistan Region population.

It is thus indicates the need for screening serum vitamin D levels in healthy women, particularly during the course of pregnancy.

Conclusions The study confirms that vitamin D status is low among pregnant and nonpregnant women in a Kurdistan Region population.

It is thus indicates the need for screening serum vitamin D levels in healthy women, particularly during the course of pregnancy.