Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency among ThirdTrimester Pregnant Women in Malaysia: Findings From The Maternal and Infant Cohort Study (Micos)

Background/Aims: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes in mothers and their infants. However, limited evidence on vitamin D status is available for pregnant women in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among third-trimester pregnant women in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 535 pregnant women with mean age of 29.9 ± 4.1 years old at ≥28 weeks of gestation were recruited from six government health clinics at the state of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Chemiluminescent immunoassay was used to measure concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Data on sociodemographic, obstetrical history, vitamin D intake, and duration of sun exposure were obtained through face-to-face interviews. Results: Out of the 535 respondents, 47.7% were vitamin D deficient (serum 25(OH)D