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Based on research conducted in Tanzania and reported in the Journal of Infectious Diseases August 12, 2009 edition of the Internet version, the level of low vitamin D increase the odds ratio of HIV transmission from mother to child (mother-to-child transmission / MTCT) during pregnancy, childbirth , or breastfeeding.

Saurabh Mehta from the Harvard School of Public Health and colleagues conducted an analysis to examine the relationship observed between vitamin D levels with pregnancy outcome and infant mortality. In addition, vitamin D is well known as a spur bone health, a strong immune booster, researchers note, and can prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, including MTCT. Several previous studies have suggested that vitamin D is enough to encourage growth and development of the fetus.

The study involved 884 pregnant women who are HIV-positive who participated in trials of vitamin supplementation in Tanzania. Approximately 80% have no symptoms of HIV disease, the mothers received vitamin supplements from 12 weeks gestational age, but not including vitamin D.

Results






No relationship was observed between maternal vitamin D levels and poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery and babies born with low weight.
However, in multivariate analysis, women with low vitamin D levels (<32 ng / mL) 50% higher risk of transmitting HIV to her baby, which is determined at six weeks after birth.
Among the infants who remained uninfected at six weeks, the possibility of infants born to mothers with low vitamin D levels will be infected with HIV during breastfeeding is two times higher.
After 24 months of follow-up, babies born to mothers with low vitamin D levels overall 46% greater risk of contracting HIV.
MTCT increased as the level of vitamin D levels decreased, and mothers with the lowest vitamin D levels are most at risk.
Furthermore, babies born to mothers with low vitamin D levels, 61% greater risk of dying during follow-up.
Based on those findings, the study authors concluded that, "if proven efficacious in clinical trials at random, vitamin D supplements can be an inexpensive way to reduce the burden of HIV transmission and infant mortality, especially in resource-limited settings."

In discussion, the researchers argued that because vitamin D is known to support the development of the fetal immune system, infants born to mothers with vitamin D levels higher immune system may have a better so that they are more resistant to HIV infection.