Impact of Inadequate Vitamind D Status on Anemia in Pregnant Females

Abstract

Vitamin D and iron deficiencies are two major global health concerns, particularly among pregnant women, where they may contribute to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and anemia in pregnant women in Derna, Libya. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 126 pregnant women aged 18–45 years. Serum levels of vitamin D, hemoglobin, and ferritin were measured and analyzed using SPSS. The findings revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, with 69% of participants exhibiting severe deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Anemia was also widespread, affecting 91.3% of the sample, while 38.1% had low ferritin levels. Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between vitamin D levels and both hemoglobin (r = 0.269, p = 0.002) and ferritin (r = 0.465, p = 0.001), suggesting that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to anemia by influencing iron homeostasis, possibly through hepcidin regulation and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The results emphasize the importance of assessing vitamin D status during pregnancy as part of routine care. Future longitudinal and interventional studies are recommended to confirm the causal relationship and evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on anemia management in pregnant populations.