RESUMO
To assess the serum level of vitamin D in pregnant and lactating women. Case-control study. Gynaecological Unit 1 of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, from December 2010 to May 2011. A total of 100 women comprised of three groups: pregnant [n = 40], lactating [n = 40] and control [n = 20] groups. The information regarding age, educational level, socioeconomic status, exposure to sunlight and dietary vitamin D intake were collected through self-structured questionnaire. Serum concentration of vitamin D was measured by ELISA and serum calcium and phosphate levels were measured by chemistry analyzer. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS [version 13]. The values were considered significant at 0.05 level of significance. The mean serum vitamin D level in the pregnant and lactating mothers was 26.5 +/- 17.1 nmol/L and 21.4 +/- 16.3 nmol/L respectively and in control group was 33.8 +/- 21.1 nmol/L. The mean calcium level in the pregnant, lactating and control group was 10.3 +/- 1.2 mg/dL, 9.7 +/- 1.3 mg/dL and 9.7 +/- 1.3 mg/dL respectively. The mean phosphate in pregnant was 3.2 +/- 0.76 mg/dl, in lactating was 3.3 +/- 0.76 mg/dl and in control was 3.5 +/- 0.92 mg/dl. Significant difference [p = 0.041 and p = 0.037 respectively] in the serum levels of vitamin D and calcium was observed among the pregnant and lactating women as compared to control group. Low serum vitamin D concentration was observed in lactating women and pregnant women as compared to control group.