Vitamin D Supplementation and Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy and the Risk of Congenital Anomalies-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Vitamin D Supplementation and Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy and the Risk of Congenital Anomalies-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Walker et al., 2023 | Nutrients | Meta Analysis

Citation

Walker Karen Christina, Thorsteinsdottir Fanney, ... Händel Mina Nicole. Vitamin D Supplementation and Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy and the Risk of Congenital Anomalies-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023-Apr-28;15(9). doi:10.3390/nu15092125

Abstract

Maternal dietary factors have been suggested as possible contributing influences for congenital anomalies (CAs). We aimed to assess the association between vitamin D supplementation or vitamin D status (s-25OHD) during pregnancy and CAs in the offspring. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Included studies were critically appraised using appropriate tools (risk of bias 2, ROBINS-I). A protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019127131). A meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including 3931 participants showed no effect of vitamin D supplementation on CAs, a relative risk of 0.76 (95% CI 0.45; 1.30), with moderate certainty in the effect estimates by GRADE assessment. Of the nine identified observational studies, six were excluded due to a critical risk of bias in accordance with ROBINS-I. Among the included observational studies, two studies found no association, whereas one case-control study identified an association between s-25OHD < 20 nmol/L and neural tube defects, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.34 (95% CI: 1.07; 5.07). Interpretation of the results should be cautious given the low prevalence of CAs, RCTs with onset of supplementation after organogenesis, and low-quality observational studies.

Key Findings

Interpretation of the results should be cautious given the low prevalence of CAs, RCTs with onset of supplementation after organogenesis, and low-quality observational studies.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 3931
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Pregnancy
  • Humans
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamins
  • Neural Tube Defects
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: vitamin-d

Provenance

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