• U K Møller, C H Ramlau-Hansen, L Rejnmark, L Heickendorff, T B Henriksen, and L Mosekilde.
• Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism C, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. Kristine.moller@ki.au.dk
• Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Oct 1; 60 (10): 1214-21.

ObjectiveTo examine vitamin D status and parathyroid function in normal Danish women postpartum.DesignThree cross-sectional measures during follow-up of 89 women postpartum.Subjects And InterventionWe assessed vitamin D status by measuring plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P-25OHD) and the degree of secondary hyperparathyroidism by measuring plasma parathyroid hormone (P-PTH) in 89 Caucasian women at three consecutive visits: (mean (range)) 23 (10-37) days (spring), 117 (95-140) days (late summer) and 274 (254-323) days (winter) postpartum.ResultsP-25OHD showed seasonal variations with higher values in late summer than in the other periods (P < 0.001). At the first visit, 65% received vitamin D supplements. At the following visits, almost 50% were supplemented. Vitamin D insufficiency (P-25OHD < 50 nmol/l) occurred more often during winter (28%) than in spring (14%) (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.02) or late summer (7%) (P = 0.0001). Irrespective of season, vitamin D insufficiency occurred most frequent in women who did not take vitamin D supplements (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.02). Frank vitamin D deficiency (P-25OHD < 25 nmol/l) was observed during winter in 6%. At all three periods, P-25OHD correlated inversely with P-PTH indicating secondary hyperparathyroidism at deficient vitamin D status. During spring, late summer and winter three, one and four females, respectively, had elevated plasma PTH.ConclusionVitamin D insufficiency with secondary hyperparathyroidism is a frequent finding in healthy Danish women postpartum and especially during winter. Vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of vitamin D insufficiency, especially during winter. Our results support the importance of increased alertness regarding information of pregnant and lactating women about vitamin D supplements. Furthermore, it has to be studied whether the present recommendations of an intake of 5-10 microg vitamin D/day are sufficient, especially during winter months.

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