Literature review: Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... . This paper will consider the scientific data available form various studies in order to determine why Vitamin D supplementation is so advantageous for the development of embryo and then fetus as well as the mother involved. The aim is to discuss and consider best practice according to both the patient’s medical history and after researching the best practice of supplementation of vitamin D according to the patient’s clinical records and available empirical studies. The paper will deal with an understanding of why it is important to treat women with vitamin D, its safety, efficacy and best practice regarding its safety, optimum levels of vitamin D level during pregnancy and the way in which the literature reflects this . Background In pregnancy each individual’s medical history should be taken carefully and clearly. Also various tests will need to be performed, and this should include checking levels of vitamin D using the 25 hydroxyvitamin D blood test ( Med Line Plus 2010) . After this a well prepared clinical plan can be followed, which includes the introduction of vitamin D to any vitamin D deficient women in pregnancy. ...
t should be borne in mind that overdosing can cause difficulties, especially in the long term as ‘spare’ vitamin D is stored in fatty tissues and may reach levels which are toxic. This can have a number of side effects, not all clearly understood as yet and during pregnancy toxicity can cause retardation of infants. ( American Pregnancy Association 2000) Vitamin D affects many organ systems and the level of vitamin D needed for optimal function in many tissues is not yet defined. (Dawson-Hughes & Harris, 2010, p. 1861). Because of such factors it is therefore necessary that levels for each women should be checked so that a dosage regime can be decided upon. Low levels are not just a factor in areas with low sunlight levels. The Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, states that among dark skinned women and Muslims who cover their skin Vitamin D deficiency can be a problem ( 2011) citing a number of studies such as Mason and Diamond 2001. As reported by Litonjua & Weiss (2007):- Coupled with inadequate intake from foods and supplements, this then leads to vitamin D deficiency, particularly in pregnant women. (p. 1031). It should be noted that sufficient vitamin D cannot be obtained from diet, especially in vegetarians.( Office of Dietary Supplements , 2011) and in pregnancy women may avoid such sources of Vitamin D as eggs which precipitates more problems. This is because vitamin D is “both a nutrient and a hormone” (Litonjua & Weiss, 2007, p. 32). Developing a Question According to Courtney & McCutcheon (2010) the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome) model defines the meaning of nursing practice following research questions as consisting of 4 definite parts, namely: Patient – All vitamin D deficient women in pregnancy. Intervention – Performing ...Download file to see next pagesRead More