Vitamin D requirements and supplementation during pregnancy

Purpose of review The topic of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is very controversial. This review attempts to provide balanced knowledge with respect to this topic gained in the past 18 months. Recent findings Two recent reports, one by the Institute of Medicine, and one by The Endocrine Society are greatly divergent with respect to the nutritional requirement for vitamin D, as well as, the level of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D that is desirable. These recommendations will be discussed along with recent observational data and a recently completed randomized controlled trial dealing with vitamin D requirements during pregnancy. Summary Current evidence supports the concept that circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D should be 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol) during pregnancy and a daily intake of 4000 IU vitamin D-3 is required to attain that circulating level.