A comparative analysis of maternal and fetal 25-hydroxyvitamin D in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective: This study aimed to compare maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum levels during pregnancy in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with neonatal 25(OH)D serum levels and to evaluate the relationship between maternal and fetal 25(OH)D in the two groups. Methods: Between May 2014 and March 2015, 87 pregnant women were enrolled. The study population was divided into two groups, those with and without GDM (n = 32 and 55). All participants were surveyed about lifestyle and behavior. Maternal and umbilical venous blood samples were obtained. Serum from maternal blood was analyzed for 25(OH)D₂ and 25(OH)D₃, and umbilical venous blood for 25(OH)D₂, 25(OH)D₃, and 3-epi-25(OH)D₃. Results: The maternal serum level of 25(OH)D₃ and the 25(OH)D₃ and 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ levels in umbilical venous blood were significantly lower in women with GDM (p <.01 for all comparisons). The maternal blood levels of 25(OH)D₂, 25(OH)D₃, and total 25(OH)D were positively correlated with their levels in umbilical venous blood in the total, normal, and GDM groups. Conclusions: The serum 25(OH)D₃ and 3-epi-25(OH)D₃ levels of babies from mothers with GDM are lower than in pregnant women without GDM.