Pre-pregnancy vitamin D3 in take has a vital role in fertility. Vitamin D3 regulates the hormone production of the ovaries and is essential for a healthy reproductive system. Vitamin D3 deficiency can impair ovarian functions and reduce the chance of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, vitamin D3 is essential for the baby’s bone development. By increasing calcium and phosphate absorption, vitamin D3 helps the baby’s bones develop healthily, strengthens the immune system, can protect against infections, and can also help prevent mood disorders such as depression of the mother. Also, vitamin D3 deficiency can lower the baby’s birth weight and cause premature birth.
Pregnant women are at risk of vitamin D3 deficiency because the mother’s need for vitamin D3 increases during pregnancy. The daily requirement of vitamin D3 for pregnant women is 600-800 IU. They can get this amount through sunlight, foods, and supplements. However, pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking vitamin D3 supplements.
VITAMIN D3 SOURCES:
Vitamin D3 is a vitamin that can be synthesized from sunlight. It is also found naturally in some foods. These are :
- Oily fish: Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines are rich in vitamin D3.
- Liver: Especially chicken and turkey liver contains high vitamin D3. (But, it is not recommended to be consumed during pregnancy)
- Egg: Egg yolk contains vitamin D3.
- Milk and dairy products: Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese may contain vitamin D3. However, milk and dairy products can also be enriched with vitamin D2.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are rare foods containing vitamin D3.
Dietitian, Turgut Arsan
