Gestational vitamin D and offspring risk of multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#dietary-supplements #female #humans #multiple-sclerosis #pregnancy

Gestational vitamin D and offspring risk of multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jasper et al., 2020 | Ann Epidemiol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Jasper Elizabeth A, Nidey Nichole L, ... Ryckman Kelli K. Gestational vitamin D and offspring risk of multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Epidemiol. 2020-Mar;43:11-17. doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.12.010

Abstract

PURPOSE: Our objective was to systematically review and meta-analyze studies that assessed the association between gestational vitamin D levels and risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in offspring. METHODS: Embase and Pubmed databases were searched from inception to May 2018. Original, observational studies that investigated both clinically defined MS (in offspring) and vitamin D levels in utero or shortly after birth were included. Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed the quality of studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Summary effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with random effects models using inverse variance weighting. Determinants of heterogeneity were evaluated. RESULTS: Four case-control studies of moderate to low risk of bias were included. Summary effect estimates of the effect of higher levels of gestational vitamin D on risk of offspring MS demonstrated a significant protective effect in random effects (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.84) models and in a stratified analysis based on study quality. Factors identified as determinants of heterogeneity were the definitions of vitamin D deficiency, the characteristics of study participants, and the quality of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may be protective against offspring's development of multiple sclerosis later in life.

Key Findings

Four case-control studies of moderate to low risk of bias were included. Summary effect estimates of the effect of higher levels of gestational vitamin D on risk of offspring MS demonstrated a significant protective effect in random effects (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.84) models and in a stratified analysis based on study quality. Factors identified as determinants of heterogeneity were the definitions of vitamin D deficiency, the characteristics of study participants, and the quality of the stud

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-d-autoimmune

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09