The proper question to ask is not how much vitamin D during pregnancy, but what is the proper serum level of vitamin D during pregnancy.  The reason for this is that every woman responds differently with serum level versus the amount of vitamin D they are getting from all sources.  This has to do with the response of the body to various life processes that are ongoing.

Dr. Hollis in one study on pregnancy and vitamin D reported that a woman taking 6400 IU of D3 per day had a measured serum level of vitamin D of 20 ng/ml instead of the expected result;  more than 50 ng/ml.  The woman came down with the flu the next day.  Whether it is a highly active need for vitamin D or a more long term need the body uses vitamin D at different rates.  The only way to tell for sure is to have your serum level tested.  The work of Dr. Hollis and Carol Wagner at MUSC has shown that in general pregnant women need around 4000 IU D3 per day to have a healthy baby and reduced complications.

What is the proper serum level?  This has become the sticky issue.  The IOM says that a level of 20 ng/ml is enough for 25(OH)D or the storage from of vitamin D in the body.  The Society of Endocrinology has stated that everyone should have a minimum of 30 ng/ml.  Grassroots Health has stated that the best level should be between 40 to 60 ng/ml.   Dr. John Cannell of the Vitamin D Council says that the level should be above 60 ng/ml to get the best health effects.  Are you confused yet?

The long established normal range for serum vitamin D, 25(OH)D, has long been used as 20 to 100 ng/ml.  This is what is expected from the general population.  People in a sunny country typically have a value in the range of 54 to 90 ng/ml (Grant and Holick).  I suspect that the best that you can do for your body and maintain health is to be as if you lived in a sunny country.  The studies that used only 400 IU of vitamin D and those that recommend this amount as adequate are well, quite frankly in the words of Dr. House –TV character, idiots.  The value of 400 IU D3 only represents about two minutes in the sun and most likely will not affect your health one way or another.  It disturbs me that we have spent huge amounts of money to study this amount of intake – we have been played by the researchers just so they have research money from the government.

Henry Lahore who has spent a great deal of time trying to put the facts together about vitamin D, has develop this web page specifically for mom’s and baby’s needs.  This is really a great resource – thanks Henry!  Overview Moms babies and vitamin D = Vitamin D: Before, During, and After Pregnancy    Also the home page index so that you may explore other vitamin D specifics – VitamindWiki Home Page  or www.vitamindwiki.com

Hormonal balance is the key to a happy pregnancy.  Adequate vitamin D3 is the key to this balance.  I love to be around women that are pregnant with a proper hormonal balance because they are so happy and full of love – the primary ingredient needed for health –  pandemic survivor