Vitamin DNutrition library
Vitamin D
Regulates calcium absorption and bone mineralisation for both mother and fetus, and supports immune function; widely under-supplied without supplementation or sun exposure.
Tracked by these blood markers
- 25-hydroxyvitamin Dnmol/L
Trimester focus
| Stage | For the mother | For the baby |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester | Establishes maternal calcium-handling status for the pregnancy ahead. | Crosses the placenta to support the earliest skeletal patterning. |
| Second trimester | Calcium-absorption efficiency rises, aided by adequate D status. | Drives the start of fetal bone mineralisation. |
| Third trimester | Needs stay elevated, supporting peak calcium transfer to the fetus. | Bone mineralisation accelerates fastest in the third trimester. |
Connections
See also
- 25-hydroxyvitamin Dmarker
Target note
RDA 15 mcg (600 IU); UL 100 mcg (4000 IU). Titrate with a 25-OH-D test.