A recently published study shows that taking as little as 400 IU of vitamin D per day significantly improves important health markers in pregnant women. The study, published in *The Journal of Nutrition*, was a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, which is considered the gold standard in research.
Pregnant women in their 35th week, aged between 18 and 40 years, received either 400 IU of vitamin D3 per day or a placebo for nine weeks. The researchers conducted blood tests, and the results were as follows:
- Participants who received supplementation had higher levels of vitamin D3 in their blood (unsurprisingly)
- The vitamin D3 group showed lower levels of the inflammation marker hs-CRP
- Lower insulin levels
- Increased insulin sensitivity
- Higher antioxidant capacity in plasma
- Higher glutathione levels (the body's own antioxidant and one of the most powerful antioxidants known)
- Lower fasting glucose levels
Never neglect your vitamin D status, but during pregnancy, it is particularly crucial to ensure you get enough vitamin D.
PS. Magnesium is also incredibly important for pregnant women as it helps regulate blood sugar levels, supports the immune system, and contributes to normal muscle and nerve function. A magnesium deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of preeclampsia, premature delivery, and growth restrictions in the fetus. Additionally, magnesium can help reduce leg and muscle cramps, which are common during pregnancy.
Author
Scientific references and sources
Show referenceAsemi Z, Samimi M, Tabassi Z, Shakeri H, Esmaillzadeh A. J Nutr. 2013 Jul 24.
De-Regil LM, Palacios C, Lombardo LK, Peña-Rosas JP. Vitamin D supplementation for...Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;1.
Swaminathan S. Magnesium metabolism... Clin Biochem Rev. 2003 Aug;24(2):47-66.
Makrides M, Crosby DD, Bain E, Crowther CA. Magnesium supplementation...Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Apr 30;4
