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Effects of a Randomized, Controlled Trial of Daily Vitamin D3 Supplementation During Pregnancy on Regulatory Immunity and Inflammation
Author(s) -
Zerofsky Melissa,
Jacoby Bryon,
Pedersen Theresa L,
Stephensen Charles B
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.296.7
Subject(s) - medicine , vitamin d and neurology , foxp3 , pregnancy , inflammation , regulatory t cell , immune system , vitamin d deficiency , vitamin , immunology , neopterin , endocrinology , t cell , il 2 receptor , biology , genetics
Background Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in pregnancy and has been associated with adverse health conditions for mothers and infants. Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy may support maintenance of pregnancy by its effects on adaptive and innate immunity. Objective We assessed the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on vitamin D status, regulatory and inflammatory T cells, markers of innate immunity, and systemic inflammation. Design We conducted a randomized, controlled, double‐blind intervention of two doses of vitamin D3 (400 IU/d vs. 2,000 IU/d) from <20 weeks through delivery in fifty‐seven pregnant women at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D status, immune function, and clinical endpoints were assessed in mid‐ and late pregnancy. Results Supplementation with 2,000 IU vitamin D had a greater effect on increasing vitamin D status than 400 IU (p<0.05). The percent IL‐10+ CD4+ regulatory cells increased significantly with the 2,000 IU treatment relative to the 400 IU control (p<0.05). FoxP3+ regulatory T‐cells and inflammatory T‐cells were not affected, nor were other immunologic endpoints. Pregnancy progression was associated with decreased percentage of Th1 (CD4+ IFNg+), Th17 (CD4+ IL− 17+), and FoxP3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood (p<0.05), decreased ex vivo production of T cell cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10), and increased plasma markers of inflammation (IL‐6, TNF‐a, neopterin). Conclusions Daily supplementation with 2,000 IU is more effective at increasing vitamin D status in pregnant women than 400 IU and is associated with increased regulatory immunity that may prevent adverse outcomes caused by excess inflammation. Support or Funding Information This work was supported by the USDA‐ARS and UCDMC CTSC Vision Grant (UL1 TR2).