Vitamin D and expectant moms

Last weekend Justin and I were in Dallas for a conference, and while we were there, I sat in on a really interesting Nutrilite session, led by Dr. Chuck Dunham of Aspen Clinic in Minnesota. I was pretty excited when he spent the first half of the session discussing Vitamin D, because it has been on my radar screen for a few months now. I first read an article in a women’s magazine about a study linking it to weight loss, and thought it was worth a try.

This article talks about that study, which was done by the University of Minnesota.

Since coming across that study, though, I have read several more touting a list of other positives about Vitamin D. For pregnant moms it can be huge! (And helping expectant moms is way more fun than losing weight. Just ask my jeans.)

A Boston study analyzed the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and the prevalence of primary cesarean section, because one symptom of vitamin D deficiency is “poor muscular performance.” The study included 253 women, 43 of whom had had a primary cesarean. This small study showed that women with vitamin D deficiency had increased odds of having a primary caesarean section.

Here is a more scientific look at the actual study and data on the cesarean rate increase.

The folks at WebMD took a look at the study, as well, and offered some balance from an expert on the other side of the debate.

Even then, it was suggested that women who are more at risk – like those in Northern climates! – speak with their healthcare provider about taking a supplement.

Dr. Dunham had similar recommendation when he suggested everyone get tested to find their Vitamin D levels, then adjust your intake accordingly. This is a great way to approach anything, really! He said you’ll want to take the supplement for about three months in order to see a rise in your overall levels. Which would mean you should get tested, take a supplement for three weeks, then get tested again to see if you are on track.

But it doesn’t stop with that! Studies have linked Vitamin D to decreases in cancer risk, cardiovascular issues, and much, much more.

Here is a great piece linking it to recovery in multiple sclerosis patients:

If you’re reading the research and wondering, what’s the difference between Vitamin D2 and D3? That is a simple one. Vitamin D2 is the sort you will get from being out in the sun. Vitamin D3 is the form that comes from your diet. Both are metabolized in the same form by the body.

Interested in trying Vitamin D for yourself, but not sure where to start? This is the one I take (tiny, and completely natural, as are all Nutrilite supplements).  Disclaimer: We do profit from the purchase of that particular vitamin -- we're super happy if you take one anywhere, don't feel like that is the only option available!!!

With that said, check out the PDFs on the Nutrilite link for lots more information, too.

And, for those of you who want to know more than anyone ever dreamed of about Vitamin D, here is the data from the Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, including recommended daily allowances and much more.