Higher serum alkaline phosphatase activity in infants born to vitamin D–deficient mothers

Summary Our research shows that the newborns of vitamin D–deficient mothers have higher serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity compared with those of vitamin D–non-deficient mothers, which is likely related to increased bone turnover rather than just being a marker for bone formation. This has a potential negative impact on fetal bone development and subsequent skeletal growth. Purpose/introduction Low maternal serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) level during pregnancy contributes to vitamin D deficiency in infants at birth, which is associated with multiple potential adverse effects on fetal skeletal mineralization and growth. We studied the relationship between maternal 25(OH)D level and newborn serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) at term. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study, venous blood samples of healthy pregnant mothers were drawn to measure 25(OH)D levels within 6 h of delivery. Cord blood samples were examined for calcium, phosphorus levels, and ALP activity immediately after birth. In addition, we also recorded the newborns’ anthropometric measurements. Results Seventy-two percent ( n = 108/150) of mothers in our study were vitamin D–deficient (serum 25(OH)2D < 25 nmol/l). In a multivariate logistic regression model, young maternal age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.94, 95% CI 0.88–0.99, p = 0.04) and increased weight (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.02) as well as decreased milk intake (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.13–0.74, p = 0.009) were all significantly associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency. ALP activity was significantly higher in newborns of vitamin D–deficient compared with vitamin D–non-deficient mothers (median = 176 (IQR = 139–221) and 156 (IQR = 132–182), respectively, p = 0.04). A significant inverse correlation (Pearson’s coefficient = − 0.18, p = 0.03) was observed between maternal 25(OH)D levels and babies’ ALP activities. This association persisted in a multivariate logistic regression model (OR = 3.46, 95% CI 1.18–10.18, p = 0.024). Conclusions Our findings indicate that newborns of vitamin D–deficient mothers have higher serum ALP activity than those of non-deficient mothers, which might be related to increased bone turnover rather than just being a marker for bone formation. This could have a potential negative impact on fetal bone development and subsequent skeletal growth.