Pregnant Women & Vitamin D Doses

Certain nutrient needs increase during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to health problems in both the mother and baby. However, according to an article in a 2011 issue of the "Journal of Bone and Mineral Research," the need, effectiveness and safety of taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy has been debated and remains controversial, especially for women who consume ample amounts of vitamin D in their diet.

Background

Vitamin D dosage recommendations are either provided in micrograms, or mcg, or international units, or IUs. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, 400 IUs equals 10 mcg. To convert IUs to mcg, multiply the amount of vitamin D in IUs by 0.025. To convert mcg to IUs, divide the amount of vitamin D in mcg by 0.025.

IOM Dosage Recommendations

The Institute of Medicine, or IOM, Food and Nutrition Board has established minimum daily requirements for essential nutrients, including vitamin D. The IOM recommended dietary allowances are estimated to meet the needs of 97 percent to 98 percent of people in each age and gender group. The RDA for vitamin D for pregnant women is 15 mcg or 600 IUs per day.

Usual Intake

A 2011 study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" determined the vitamin D intake of 64 women during pregnancy. Researchers in the study observed that median vitamin D intakes were 80 percent below current recommendations, and ranged from 1.9 to 2.1 mcg per day. Researchers concluded that more education regarding good sources of vitamin D is necessary for women during pregnancy to help prevent vitamin D deficiencies. Foods high in vitamin D include fish, dairy products, eggs, some fortified breakfast cereals and other vitamin D-fortified foods, including some brands of orange juice.

Research

A 2011 study published in the "Journal of Bone and Mineral Research" was a randomized controlled trial in which pregnant women were given 400 IUs, 2,000 IUs or 4,000 IUs of vitamin D per day. Researchers found that there were no adverse events attributed to vitamin D supplementation in any of the groups, and concluded that 4,000 IUs or 100 mcg of vitamin D per day for pregnant women from supplementation was safe and the most effective to achieve sufficient vitamin D levels in the pregnant mothers and their babies.