M. Kliment
The author draws attention to the reasons for the increased interest in vitamin D in
recent years, due to new knowledge about its function in the human body, the mechanism
of action similar to steroid hormones. He provides disturbing facts about
the high percentage of pregnant women with insufficient levels of vitamin D associated
not only with well-known skeleton risks but also nonskeletal disorders. The special
attention is given to the risks resulting from its insufficient levels for the course of
pregnancy and the consequences of health intrauterine development of children, as
well their health later, in the postpartum period. The attention is paid to the impact
of vitamin D on the immune system function, its relationship to the reduced number
of miscarriages, premature birth, allergies and diabetes. There are also mentioned
factors affecting vitamin D status, seasonal fluctuations of its level and recommended
dosage. Finally, there are stated groups of women who could have the biggest benefit
from the vitamin D supplementation.