Maternal vitamin D in pregnancy may influence not only offspring bone mass but other aspects of musculoskeletal health and adiposity

Abstract

Osteoporotic fractures, falls and obesity are major health problems in developed nations. Evidence suggests that there are antenatal factors predisposing to these conditions. Data are emerging from Australia and elsewhere to suggest that maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy affects intrauterine skeletal mineralisation and skeletal growth together with muscle development and adiposity. Given that low levels of vitamin D have been documented in many urbanised populations, including those in countries with abundant sunlight, an important issue for public health is whether maternal vitamin D insufficiency during pregnancy has adverse effects on offspring health. The developing fetus may be exp..