Vitamin D Levels in Cord Blood and Their Relationship with Body Measurements in Full Term, Appropriate for Gestational Age Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is a global issue, affecting populations worldwide, including in India. Insufficient vitamin D levels during pregnancy can result in similar deficiencies in the fetus, adversely affecting fetal development due to its critical role in calcium regulation and skeletal formation. Objective: The study aims to assess vitamin D levels in neonatal cord blood and explore their association with the anthropometric measurements of term newborns who are appropriate for their gestational age. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted at a major health facility. The study included 200 term newborns, appropriately sized for their gestational age. Measurements of vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and various growth metrics were recorded at birth. Statistical analysis was performed, with significance assessed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: Cord blood analysis revealed vitamin D levels were deficient (less than 12 ng/dL) in 42.5% of samples, insufficient (less than 20 ng/dL) in 43.28%, and sufficient (above 20 ng/dL) in 14.22% of samples. No significant correlations were observed between the vitamin D levels in the cord blood and the neonates weight, length, and head circumference at birth (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study documented a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in neonatal cord blood. However, these vitamin D levels did not show a correlation with the anthropometric outcomes of the infants.