How much vitamin D should you take during pregnancy?

Daily doses of 4000 units/day are recommended for treatment in pregnancy. The use of lower doses of vitamin D, as contained in most prenatal calcium preparations (100-800 IU) cannot be condoned in symptomatic patients, or in those with documented low levels.

What does vitamin D do to a fetus?

Everybody needs vitamin D – it helps us to absorb the right amount of calcium and phosphate. It is especially important in pregnancy as it helps your baby’s bones, teeth, kidneys, heart and nervous system to develop.

Is too much vitamin D bad for pregnancy?

The problem of excessive vitamin D intake during pregnancy is linked to the risk of hypercalcemia in the foetus, which is not a minor disease. The highest daily dose evaluated in pregnancy is 4,000 IU/day.

Which vitamin D is best for pregnancy?

We recommend Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 (1000 IU per soft gel) in the natural form cholecalciferol form. The carrier oil is organic, extra virgin olive oil and they come in small, soft gels that are very easy to swallow. We also recommend Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA with added vitamin D3 (400 IU per 2 soft gels).

Is 6000 IU of vitamin D too much for pregnancy?

To attain optimal levels of vitamin D (probably at least 100 nmol/L, pregnant or not!) a dose of 4,000-6,000 IU per day (i.e. 10 times Blair’s suggested dose!), or greater, would be more appropriate, and still safe.

Is 2000 IU of vitamin D safe?

Nearly all vitamin D overdoses come from supplements. The Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board’s old 1997 recommendations suggested that 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D is safe for adults and that 1,000 IU per day is safe for infants up to 12 months of age.

Should you take extra vitamin D while pregnant?

The study confirmed vitamin D at this level is not only safe for you, but for your baby, and the researchers from this study now recommend this daily dosage of vitamin D for all pregnant women. The average prenatal vitamin only contains 400 IU of vitamin D, so additional supplementation should be taken daily.

What happens if vitamin D is low during pregnancy?

Adverse health outcomes such as preeclampsia, low birthweight, neonatal hypocalcemia, poor postnatal growth, bone fragility, and increased incidence of autoimmune diseases have been linked to low vitamin D levels during pregnancy and infancy.

Can low vitamin D cause pregnancy problems?

Inadequate vitamin D can lead to abnormal bone growth, fractures, or rickets in newborns. Some studies link vitamin D deficiency to a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight, but more research is needed to confirm these links.

Can I take vitamin D and prenatal vitamins together?

Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements together in pregnancy: what does the evidence say? The review also shows that women who take vitamin D and calcium together in pregnancy probably have a reduced risk of developing pre-eclampsia. However, there may be an increased risk of preterm birth less than 37 weeks.

Are there any side effects when taking vitamin D?

Most people do not commonly experience side effects with vitamin D, unless too much is taken. Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, fatigue, sleepiness, headache, loss of appetite, dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, and others.

What are signs of low vitamin D?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and depression. To get enough D, look to certain foods, supplements, and carefully planned sunlight….Signs and symptoms might include:

• Fatigue.
• Bone pain.
• Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.
• Mood changes, like depression.

How much vitamin D is too much for pregnancy?

For decades, doctors have worried that too much vitamin D during pregnancy could cause birth defects, and under current guidelines anything over 2,000 IU per day is still considered potentially unsafe for anyone, not just pregnant women.

Why is vitamin D important during pregnancy?

Vitamin D intake is also associated with healthy immune function. During the first trimester of pregnancy, vitamin D levels spike to three times the normal level, which is thought to be crucial in preventing the mother from rejecting its fetus.

What to know about vitamin D and pregnancy?

Vitamin D deficiency Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common during pregnancy. Several lifestyle factors also increase the risk of deficiency.

Can you take vitamin D while pregnant?

Yes, it’s totally safe to have a daily Vitamin D supplement while you are pregnant. In fact, you definitely should be taking one. Don’t worry if you haven’t been taking one, though.