This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of higher dose vitamin D in pregnant women. Both mother and baby may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency, even with prenatal vitamin supplementation. vitamin D is important for bone formation, immune (infection-fighting) properties of the body, and normal growth and development of an infant and child. Vitamin D deficiency is increasing in women during their childbearing years, particularly among darker skinned women. This may be due to less vitamin D in modern day diets and less sunlight exposure, espcially using sunscreens and less time spent outdoors. If the mother has low levels of vitamin D, the developing baby also will have low levels of vitamin D. Recent studies suggest that higher doses are necessary for normal blood levels, but exactly how much vitamin D a mother and her developing baby need during pregnancy to achieve and maintain normal vitamin D status is unknown. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers the use of vitamin D3 in this study investigational.
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