Skip to main content
Download PDF

Preconception vitamin D intake and obstetric outcomes in women using assisted reproductive technology: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth volume 22, Article number: 542 (2022) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

In reproductive medicine, vitamin D (VitD) is of particular interest because its deficiency has been linked to various infertility issues. Thus, preconception care, including appropriate VitD supplementation, is essential, especially in women using assisted reproductive technology (ART). Despite the therapeutic benefits of VitD, adverse events due to a high daily intake may influence obstetric outcomes. However, the effects of either low or high preconception VitD intake on obstetric outcomes, including the outcomes in women who used ART, remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between pre-pregnancy daily VitD intake and obstetric outcomes in Japanese women, including those who conceived through ART.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Japan Environment and Children’s study database comprising 92,571 women recruited between January 2011 and March 2014 in Japan. Participants were categorized into five quintiles according to pre-pregnancy VitD intake (Q1 and Q5 had the lowest and highest VitD intake, respectively) and stratified according to the use of ART. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the effects of pre-pregnancy VitD intake on preterm birth (PTB), low-birth weight infant (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA).

Results

Using Q3 (middle VitD intake) as a reference, our analysis revealed that Q5 (highest VitD intake) showed an increased risk of LBW < 1500 g (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.18) and SGA (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.14–1.39) among women who conceived without ART. Among women who conceived with ART, we found that Q5 (highest VitD intake) showed an increased risk of PTB at < 37 weeks (aOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.27–3.31).

Conclusion

The present study revealed that higher VitD intake before pregnancy may affect perinatal outcomes, particularly in women using ART. Our findings may facilitate personalized preconceptional counseling regarding VitD intake based on the method of conception, especially among women using ART.

Peer Review reports

Background

Vitamin D (VitD) is an essential secosteroid hormone known for its physiological function in maintaining bone metabolism and health [1]. VitD insufficiency has been associated with the increased occurrence of a variety of cancers and autoimmune diseases. During the coronavirus pandemic, research has been focused on VitD supplementation and its potentially protective role against the risk of respiratory tract infections and other diseases [2].

In reproductive medicine, there is major interest in VitD because its deficiency has been associated with various infertility issues, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, myoma-induced infertility, male infertility, premature ovarian failure, anti-Mullerian hormone production, steroidogenesis and ovarian folliculogenesis, endometrial receptivity and implantation, and poor prognosis in in vitro fertilization (IVF) (via its crucial role in hypothalamic-hypophyseal system regulation) [3,4,5]. Therefore, women using assisted reproductive technology (ART) should receive preconception care, particularly appropriate VitD supplementation.

Although its therapeutic benefit is established, adverse events due to a high daily intake may influence obstetric outcomes. Increased intake of VitD supplements in the general population and a growing number of therapeutic prescriptions of VitD (including very high doses) without proper medical monitoring may result in VitD toxicity, a common cause of hypercalcemia [6].

Recommendations for VitD intake during pregnancy vary among the guidelines, primarily owing to regional alimentary habits and environmental variations [7]. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommend VitD supplementation of 10 μg/day for all pregnant women, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland recommends 5 μg/day, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends 15 μg/day in pregnant women with VitD deficiency [7]. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare recommends a VitD daily adequate intake of 8.5 and 5.5 μg for pregnant women and those of reproductive age (18–49 years), respectively. They also recommend a VitD tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 100 μg/day among reproductive-age women because of its potential toxicity [8].

To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effects of either lower or higher preconception VitD intake on obstetric outcomes using a large sample size. Furthermore, preconception VitD intake is essential, particularly among women aiming to conceive by ART. Hence, we aimed to examine whether maternal pre-pregnancy VitD intake is associated with obstetric outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB) and low-birth weight (LBW) in Japanese women, using data from a large Japanese cohort study. This analysis was also stratified according to the use of ART.

Methods

Study design

The data used in the study were obtained from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). The JECS is an ongoing nationwide, multicenter, prospective birth cohort study funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan [9, 10]. The JECS investigated the effects of several environmental factors on children’s health outcomes [9]. A general population of 103,060 pregnancies with 104,062 fetuses was enrolled in the JECS in 15 Regional Centers, covering a wide geographical area in Japan, between January 2011 and March 2014. Follow-up is planned until the children are 13 years old to measure the effect of environmental factors on children’s health [9]. The detailed methodology has been previously reported [9] [10]

Data collection

At the time of recruitment (during the first trimester of pregnancy), participants were asked to complete a baseline self-administered questionnaire. Follow-up questionnaire surveys were conducted during the second/third trimester and at one month and 6 months after giving birth. Here, we excluded cases with insufficient data and multifetal pregnancies.

Determination of pre-pregnancy VitD usage, obstetric outcomes, and confounding factors

VitD intake before conception was determined using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), completed during the first trimester. Participants were asked for the consumption frequency of various types of food, from the year before pregnancy to their first trimester. These data were used to establish dietary patterns during the preconception period. A standard portion size was specified for each item of the FFQ [10]. Response options for the intake frequency ranged from “almost never” to “ ≥ 7 times/day” for foods such as fish, mushrooms, and eggs, and from “almost never” to “ ≥ 10 glasses/day” for beverages such as milk. The intake frequencies were then multiplied by the specified portion size. The nutrient content of each food was obtained from the Japanese Food Consumption Table, revised 5th edition [11], and the daily VitD intake was the sum of the contents of all food items after being multiplied by the consumption frequency. The FFQ has been validated as a self-administrated dietary questionnaire for the Japanese general population because it is structured according to the eating habits of the Japanese population [12].

Obstetric outcomes included PTB, LBW, small for gestational age (SGA), and hypertension disorders of pregnancy (HDP). PTB before 37 weeks inclusive and PTB before 34 weeks. LBW was classified into two categories: LBW < 2500 g inclusive and LBW < 1500 g [13]. SGA was defined as a birth weight <  − 1.5 standard deviation and corrected for gestational age and sex according to the “New Japanese neonatal anthropometric charts for gestational age at birth” [14, 15]. HDP was defined as the new onset of hypertension (≥ 140/90 mmHg) after conception [10]. ART pregnancy was defined as conception with IVF and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or after using cryopreserved, frozen, or blastocyst embryo transfers [15]. Chronic hypertension was defined as the presence of maternal hypertension before pregnancy [10]. Glucose intolerance in JECS was defined as the presence of diabetes mellitus (either insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) at the time of pregnancy, HbA1c ≥ 6.5% in the first trimester, and/or any steroid use during pregnancy[16, 17]. We considered the following confounding factors: maternal age, body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, maternal smoking status, maternal educational status, endometriosis, and parity. Maternal age at delivery was categorized into four groups: < 20 years, 20–29 years, 30–39 years, and ≥ 40 years. Pre-pregnancy maternal BMI was calculated by dividing the body weight (kg) by the square of the mother’s height (m). BMI was categorized as follow; < 18.5, 18.5–25.0, or ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. The self-reported questionnaire during the first trimester had the following options regarding maternal smoking status: “None,” “Previously I did. But quit prior to current pregnancy,” “Previously I did. But I quit after/during this pregnancy,” and “Currently smoking.” Women who chose “Currently smoking” were considered as the smoking category; otherwise, they were considered non-smokers. Maternal education was categorized into four groups: junior high school, < 10 years of education; high school, 10–12 years; technical/vocational college, 13–16 years; and graduate school, ≥ 17 years. Participants were also requested to answer the following question regarding endometriosis: “Have you ever been diagnosed with endometriosis before pregnancy?” The participants who answered “Yes” were defined as “presence of endometriosis” [18]. Participants were categorized as primiparous or multiparous. Daily energy intake was calculated using the FFQ, completed during the first half of the pregnancy. The inclusion criteria of confounding factors for this study were determined based on clinical importance related to present obstetric complications [13, 15, 18, 19].

Statistical analyses

The participants were categorized into VitD-intake quintiles (Q1 had the lowest VitD intake, and Q5 had the highest VitD intake) after excluding the cases with multifetal gestation. Maternal characteristics were summarized according to the quintile. Kruskal–Wallis (one-way analysis of variance) and chi-squared tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Mantel–Haenszel's chi-square test for linear trends was used to analyze the trends in categorical variables. Participants were divided into two groups based on whether they conceived with or without ART. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PTB at < 37 weeks, PTB at < 34 weeks, LBW < 2500 g, LBW < 1500 g, SGA, and HDP were calculated using multiple logistic regression modeling after excluding the cases of chronic hypertension and glucose intolerance. Maternal age, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal education, maternal smoking status, endometriosis, parity, and daily calorie intake were used to calculate the aOR. This was accomplished by using dummy variables for categorical variables with more than three categories. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) software. A P-value < 0.05 was considered indicative of statistical significance.

Results

The total number of fetal records in the JECS between 2011 and 2014 was 104,065. Of these, 1994 infants were excluded owing to multifetal gestations. Subsequently, 9500 participants were excluded because of missing data. Thus, 92,571 women met our inclusion criteria, were categorized into quintiles based on the VitD intake, and divided into two groups according to conception with or without ART (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Study flow chart. ART: Assisted reproductive technology

Full size image

Table 1 summarizes the maternal medical background parameters and obstetric outcomes according to the pre-pregnancy VitD-intake quintile. The median (interquartile range) pre-pregnancy VitD intake (μg/day) of all participants was 4.3 (2.6–6.7). The median (interquartile range) pre-pregnancy VitD intake (μg/day) of each quintile from Q1 to Q5 was 1.4 (0.8–1.8), 3.0 (2.6–3.3), 4.3 (4.0–4.7), 6.0 (5.5–6.7), and 10.2 (8.6–12.8), respectively.

Table 1 Maternal medical background and obstetric outcomes
Full size table

Significant differences were observed among the quintiles in mean maternal age (P < 0.001), maternal age category (P < 0.001), maternal education (P < 0.001), BMI before pregnancy (P < 0.001), smoking during pregnancy (P < 0.001), rate of primipara (P < 0.001), ART pregnancy (P < 0.001), glucose intolerance (P = 0.002), endometriosis (P < 0.001), and annual household income (P < 0.001). The rates of maternal age < 20 years, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, smoking, primipara, and maternal education < 10 years were the highest in Q1. Conversely, maternal age of > 40 years, BMI > 25.0 kg/m2, and endometriosis were the highest in Q5. The rate of ART pregnancy was the highest in Q3 (3.3%) and the lowest in Q1 (2.2%). The median daily calorie intake was significantly different between the quintiles (P < 0.001) with the lowest in Q1 and the highest in Q5. With respect to obstetric outcomes, no significant differences were identified in the occurrence of PTB at < 37 (P = 0.768) and < 34 weeks (P = 0.676), LBW < 2500 g (P = 0.175), LBW < 1500 g (P = 0.443), and HDP (P = 0.360) along with preconceptional VitD intake. The occurrence of SGA was significantly increased along with VitD intake (P = 0.031).

Table 2 depicts the relationship between VitD intake and obstetric outcomes among women who conceived without ART, using Q3 as a reference. Twenty-five thousand five hundred seventy-eight cases were excluded because of the presence of chronic hypertension and glucose intolerance. The risk of SGA increased along with VitD intake (p = 0.025). Logistic regression analysis revealed that Q5 showed an increased risk of LBW < 2500 g (aOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00–1.18) and SGA (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.14–1.39).

Table 2 Relationship between VitD intake and obstetric outcomes among women who conceived without ART
Full size table

Table 3 depicts the relationship between VitD intake and obstetric outcomes among women who conceived with ART, using Q3 as a reference. There is no significant trend in the risk for any obstetric outcome along with VitD intake. As per the logistic regression analysis, Q5 demonstrated an increased risk of PTB at < 37 weeks (aOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.27–3.31).

Table 3 Relationship between VitD intake and obstetric outcomes among women who conceived with ART
Full size table

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the association between VitD intake before pregnancy and adverse obstetric outcomes based on the use of ART, using the largest Japanese birth cohort dataset. First, we found that the median (interquartile range) pre-pregnancy daily VitD intake among Japanese women was 4.3 (2.6–6.7) μg/day. Second, we found a relationship between basic maternal characteristics and daily VitD intake before pregnancy. The lowest daily VitD-intake group tended to be socioeconomically disadvantaged, i.e., maternal age < 20 years, smoking during pregnancy, lower maternal education level, and lower annual household income. Conversely, daily calorie intake increased along with daily VitD intake. Third, we found that excessive daily VitD intake could inversely increase some perinatal outcomes. Among all participants, the risk of SGA increased along with the daily VitD intake category. When we focused on women conceived by ART, although there was no dose-dependent relationship, the highest VitD-intake group (Q5) was associated with PTB at < 37 weeks, considering the middle VitD-intake group (Q3) as a reference.

VitD deficiency is a public concern worldwide. However, VitD is a fat-soluble vitamin and may accumulate in the body tissues, leading to toxicity. Therefore, we examined the association between higher VitD intake before pregnancy and obstetric outcomes; this is the first report which shows the adverse outcomes of higher pre-pregnancy VitD intake in women using ART.

VitD has important functional biological implications related to calcium, glucose, immune homeostasis, and anti-inflammation [20,21,22,23]. Most prior studies have concentrated on a deficiency in daily VitD intake and its association with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia (a symptom of HDP, SGA, and PTB), and recurrent miscarriage [24]. VitD supplementation is easily administered without apparent serious adverse events, while VitD deficiency often occurs among pregnant women. Therefore, several studies have examined how VitD supplementation during pregnancy improves obstetric outcomes [25,26,27]. Although numerous studies have suggested the benefits of VitD for fertility, some have indicated that excess VitD may have detrimental effects on fertility [28]. Anifandis et al. [29] reported that VitD levels in the follicular fluid are negatively correlated with embryo quality while higher values of VitD are associated with a lower tendency of achieving pregnancy; further, women with overt hypervitaminosis D showed poor IVF outcomes [29]. There is conflicting evidence regarding VitD supplementation and PTB. A recent Cochrane Database Systematic review reported that VitD supplementation may be associated with insignificant or no difference in the risk of PTB at < 37 weeks compared to no intervention or placebo (risk ratio: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.34–1.30; 7 trials, 1640 women, low-certainty evidence) [30]. Conversely, a potential inverse association between maternal VitD status and PTB at < 37 weeks of gestation has been demonstrated [31], which was confirmed by our analysis. Inconsistent with the findings of the Cochrane Database Systematic review, our study showed that higher VitD intake was associated with PTB, especially among ART pregnancies. The mechanisms underlying the increased PTB risk induced by a higher VitD intake remain unclear and speculative. PTB has the same endpoint, consisting of two clinical subtypes—spontaneous PTB, mainly induced by inflammation, and medically-indicated PTB, encountered in cases of SGA or HDP [32]. Higher VitD intake was not associated with either SGA or HDP among ART pregnancies; thus, we considered that the increased risk of PTB among ART pregnancies may be attributed to spontaneous PTB, associated with immune system functioning and inflammation.

Here, the median (interquartile range) pre-pregnancy VitD intake among all participants was 4.3 (2.6–6.7) μg/day. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducted the National Nutrition and Health survey and reported that the median daily VitD intake among women of 20–49 years was 2.3–2.4 μg/day (number of participants, 823) [33]. An interest in preconception health has recently developed because preconception status markedly influences pregnancy outcomes and the long-term health of both mother and child [10]. Regarding preconception care, appropriate diet counseling may motivate changes in food-intake behavior during pregnancy [1], particularly among women who wish to receive sterility counsel because they have times to consider preconception care [18]. However, no UL exists for pregnant women, and our study indicated that in women who expect to conceive, a higher VitD intake before pregnancy (8.6–12.8 μg/day) may be associated with a shorter gestation period. Therefore, new recommendations regarding VitD intake before pregnancy are required to improve obstetric outcomes.

The major strength of this study is the utilization of data from a large-scale birth cohort study conducted by the Japanese government, with meticulous attention to data collection. Furthermore, this study is considered representative of the general pregnant population in Japan [15]. Additionally, we included a large number of pregnancies achieved either with or without ART. Although a randomized controlled intervention trial is considered a better study design, it is impossible to conduct a long-term controlled trial examining overall dietary intake. Our results were not derived from a randomized controlled study; nevertheless, the large-scale nature of this cohort study allows for the evaluation of potential associations between adverse obstetric outcomes and preconception behaviors [10].

This study has some limitations. First, although we accounted for a few confounding factors, largely covering the questionnaires, other unknown factors may have affected the occurrence of PTB or SGA. Second, subjects were not stratified by the use of specific ART methods such as IVF and/or ICSI or the use of cryopreserved, frozen, or blastocyst embryo transfer. The information for ART also does not include homologous or heterologous. Third, the FFQ used in this study included dietary information for 1 year before pregnancy, but most questions were completed within the first trimester; therefore, a recall bias related to morning sickness may exist. Fourth, the FFQ referred particularly to Japanese alimentary habits and focused on Japanese women. Therefore, our results may not be generalizable to populations of other ethnicities. Fifth, we did not measure serum 25-hydroxy VitD concentrations, which would reflect total VitD in the maternal blood. Additionally, no assessment of VitD intake during pregnancy was performed, which is considered to confer benefits to obstetric outcomes. The absence of this data weakens the argument of an association between higher VitD intake in pregnancy and the subsequent obstetric outcomes. Finally, we did not focus on the effect of daily VitD intake before pregnancy on overall reproductive outcomes because JECS mainly included women who gave live birth.

Growing evidence has suggested the potential advantages of VitD supplementation during pregnancy. Therefore, the significance of sufficient preconception daily VitD intake has been established; however, we indicated that excess VitD intake before pregnancy may affect perinatal outcomes, particularly in women using ART. Women who expect to conceive by ART have more opportunities to undergo preconception care. Both benefits and accumulated toxicity effects of VitD should be considered because it is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Although sufficient daily VitD intake is essential, the results of this study may provide potential harmful effects of excessive intake of daily VitD. The effect of preconception daily VitD intake on obstetric outcomes could depend on the method of conception. We hope that this study will form the basis for appropriate, personalized counseling as a form of preconceptional care for those who will receive ART.

Availability of data and materials

Data are unsuitable for public deposition due to ethical restrictions and the legal framework of Japan. It is prohibited by the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (Act No. 57 of May 30, 2003, amendment on September 9, 2015) to publicly deposit data containing personal information. Ethical Guidelines for Epidemiological Research enforced by the Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also restrict the open sharing of the epidemiologic data. All inquiries about access to data should be sent to: jecs-en@nies.go.jp. The person responsible for handling enquiries sent to this e-mail address is Dr Shoji F. Nakayama, JECS Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies.

Abbreviations

ART:

Assisted reproductive technology

aOR:

Adjusted odds ratio

BMI:

Body mass index

CI:

Confidence interval

FFQ:

Food Frequency Questionnaire

HDP:

Hypertension disorders of pregnancy

ICSI:

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection

IVF:

In vitro Fertilization

JECS:

Japan Environmental Children’s Study

LBW:

Low-birth weight

PTB:

Preterm birth

SGA:

Small for gestational age

UL:

Upper intake level

VitD:

Vitamin D

References

  1. Milart J, Lewicka A, Jobs K, Wawrzyniak A, Majder-Łopatka M, Kalicki B. Effect of vitamin D treatment on dynamics of stones formation in the urinary tract and bone density in children with idiopathic hypercalciuria. Nutrients. 2020;12:2521. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092521.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  2. Petrelli F, Luciani A, Perego G, Dognini G, Colombelli PL, Ghidini A. Therapeutic and prognostic role of vitamin D for COVID-19 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 observational studies. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2021;211: 105883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105883.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Iliuta F, Pijoan JI, Lainz L, Exposito A, Matorras R. Women’s vitamin D levels and IVF results: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, considering three categories of vitamin status (replete, insufficient and deficient). Hum Fertil (Camb). 2020;14:1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2020.1807618.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Dabrowski FA, Grzechocinska B, Wielgos M. The role of vitamin D in reproductive health-a Trojan horse or the Golden Fleece? Nutrients. 2015;7:4139–53. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7064139.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Zhao J, Huang X, Xu B, Yan Y, Zhang Q, Li Y. Whether vitamin D was associated with clinical outcome after IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018;16:13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0324-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Dudenkov DV, Yawn BP, Oberhelman SS, Fischer PR, Singh RJ, Cha SS, et al. Changing incidence of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D values above 50 ng/mL: a 10-year population-based study. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90:577–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.02.012.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Tsakiridis I, Kasapidou E, Dagklis T, Leonida I, Leonida C, Bakaloudi DR, et al. Nutrition in pregnancy: a comparative review of major guidelines. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2020;75:692–702. https://doi.org/10.1097/OGX.0000000000000836.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Japanese dietary standards summary; 2020. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/eiyou/syokuji_kijyun.html. Accessed 6 Jun 2021.

  9. Kawamoto T, Nitta H, Murata K, Toda E, Tsukamoto N, Hasegawa M, et al. Rationale and study design of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). BMC Public Health. 2014;14:25. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-25.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Kyozuka H, Fukusda T, Murata T, Yamaguchi A, Kanno A, Yasuda S, et al. Impact of preconception sodium intake on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Pregnancy Hypertens. 2021;23:66–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.preghy.2020.11.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Science and Technology Agency. Standard table of food composition in Japan. 5th ed. Tokyo: Ministry of Finance Printing Bureau; 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Yokoyama Y, Takachi R, Ishihara J, Ishii Y, Sasazuki S, Sawada N, et al. Validity of short and long self-administered food frequency questionnaires in ranking dietary intake in middle-aged and elderly Japanese in the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study for the Next Generation (JPHC-NEXT) protocol area. J Epidemiol. 2016;26:420–32. https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.JE20150064.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Kyozuka H, Fujimori K, Hosoya M, Yasumura S, Yokoyama T, Sato A, et al. The effect of maternal age at the first childbirth on gestational age and birth weight: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). J Epidemiol. 2019;29:187–91. https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.JE20170283.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Itabashi K, Miura F, Uehara R, Nakamura Y. New Japanese neonatal anthropometric charts for gestational age at birth. Pediatr Int. 2014;56:702–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/ped.12331.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Kyozuka H, Yamaguchi A, Suzuki D, Fujimori K, Hosoya M, Yasumura S, et al. Risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum: findings from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2019;19:447. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-019-2608-9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. Kyozuka H, Murata T, Fukuda T, Yamaguchi A, Kanno A, Yasuda S, et al. Effect of preconception selenium intake on the risk for gestational diabetes: The Japan Environment and Children's Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021;10.

  17. Kyozuka H, Yasuda S, Murata T, Fukuda T, Yamaguchi A, Kanno A, et al. Adverse obstetric outcomes in early-diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study. J Diabetes Investig. 2021;12:2071–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Kyozuka H, Nishigori H, Murata T, Fukuda T, Yamaguchi A, Kanno A, et al. Prepregnancy antiinflammatory diet in pregnant women with endometriosis: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Nutrition. 2021;85: 111129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2020.111129.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Suzuki K, Shinohara R, Sato M, Otawa S, Yamagata Z. Association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and birth weight: an appropriately adjusted model from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. J Epidemiol. 2016;26:371–7. https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.JE20150185.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Hollis BW, Johnson D, Hulsey TC, Ebeling M, Wagner CL. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: double-blind, randomized clinical trial of safety and effectiveness. J Bone Miner Res. 2011;26:2341–57. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.463.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Thota C, Menon R, Fortunato SJ, Brou L, Lee JE, Al-Hendy A. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D deficiency is associated with preterm birth in African American and Caucasian women. Reprod Sci. 2014;21:244–50. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719113493513.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Olmos-Ortiz A, Avila E, Durand-Carbajal M, Díaz L. Regulation of calcitriol biosynthesis and activity: focus on gestational vitamin D deficiency and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Nutrients. 2015;7:443–80. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7010443.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  23. Hyppönen E, Cavadino A, Williams D, Fraser A, Vereczkey A, Fraser WD, et al. Vitamin D and pre-eclampsia: original data, systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Nutr Metab. 2013;63:331–40. https://doi.org/10.1159/000358338.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Agarwal S, Kovilam O, Agrawal DK. Vitamin D and its impact on maternal-fetal outcomes in pregnancy: a critical review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2018;58:755–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2016.1220915.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. MRK R, SAM L, GMFDS M, IMP C, CG M, GAR F, et al. Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in gestational diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. PLoS ONE. 2019;14:e0213006. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213006.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Motamed S, Nikooyeh B, Kashanian M, Chamani M, Hollis BW, Neyestani TR. Evaluation of the efficacy of two doses of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic, lipidemic and oxidative stress biomarkers during pregnancy: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2020;20:619. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03311-1.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Nema J, Sundrani D, Joshi S. Prenatal vitamin D supplementation reduces blood pressure and improves placental angiogenesis in an animal model of preeclampsia. Food Funct. 2020;11:10413–22. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0fo01782e.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Laganà AS, Vitale SG, Ban Frangež H, Vrtačnik-Bokal E, D’Anna R. Vitamin D in human reproduction: the more, the better? An evidence-based critical appraisal. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017;21:4243–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Anifandis GM, Dafopoulos K, Messini CI, Chalvatzas N, Liakos N, Pournaras S, et al. Prognostic value of follicular fluid 25-OH vitamin D and glucose levels in the IVF outcome. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2010;8:91. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-8-91.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Palacios C, Kostiuk LK, Peña-Rosas JP. Vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;7:CD008873. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008873.pub4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Dawodu A, Nath R. High prevalence of moderately severe vitamin D deficiency in preterm infants. Pediatr Int. 2011;53:207–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-200X.2010.03209.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Ishibashi M, Kyozuka H, Yamaguchi A, Fujimori K, Hosoya M, Yasumura S, et al. Effect of proinflammatory diet before pregnancy on gestational age and birthweight: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Matern Child Nutr. 2020;16: e12899. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12899.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. National Nutrition and Health survey. Available online. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/bunya/kenkou/kenkou_eiyou_chousa.html. Accessed 12 Jan 2021.

Download references

Acknowledgements

The findings and conclusions of this article are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official views of the Ministry of the Environment. The authors are grateful to all participants in the study.

Members of the JECS group as of 2021: Michihiro Kamijima (principal investigator, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan), Shin Yamazaki (National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsu-kuba, Japan), Yukihiro Ohya (National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan), Reiko Kishi (Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan), Nobuo Yaegashi (Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan), Koichi Hashimoto (Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan), Chisato Mori (Chiba University, Chiba, Japan), Shuichi Ito (Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan), Zentaro Yamagata (University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan), Hidekuni Inadera (University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan), Takeo Nakayama (Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan), Hiroyasu Iso (Osaka University, Suita, Japan), Masayuki Shima (Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan), Youichi Kurozawa (Tottori University, Yonago, Japan), Narufumi Suganuma (Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan), Koichi Kusuhara (University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan), and Takahiko Katoh (Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan).

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan

    Hyo Kyozuka, Tsuyoshi Murata, Toma Fukuda, Karin Imaizumi, Akiko Yamaguchi, Shun Yasuda & Keiya Fujimori

  2. Fukushima Regional Center for the Japan Environmental and Children’s Study, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan

    Hyo Kyozuka, Tsuyoshi Murata, Toma Fukuda, Karin Imaizumi, Akiko Yamaguchi, Shun Yasuda, Daisuke Suzuki, Akiko Sato, Yuka Ogata, Mitsuaki Hosoya, Seiji Yasumura, Koichi Hashimoto, Hidekazu Nishigori & Keiya Fujimori

  3. Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan

    Daisuke Suzuki & Hidekazu Nishigori

  4. Department of Pediatrics, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan

    Mitsuaki Hosoya & Koichi Hashimoto

  5. Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan

    Seiji Yasumura

Authors
  1. Hyo Kyozuka
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tsuyoshi Murata
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Toma Fukuda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Karin Imaizumi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Akiko Yamaguchi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Shun Yasuda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Daisuke Suzuki
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Akiko Sato
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Yuka Ogata
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Mitsuaki Hosoya
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Seiji Yasumura
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  12. Koichi Hashimoto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  13. Hidekazu Nishigori
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  14. Keiya Fujimori
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Consortia

the Japan Environment, Children’s Study (JECS) Group

  • Michihiro Kamijima
  • , Shin Yamazaki
  • , Yukihiro Ohya
  • , Reiko Kishi
  • , Nobuo Yaegashi
  • , Koichi Hashimoto
  • , Chisato Mori
  • , Shuichi Ito
  • , Zentaro Yamagata
  • , Hidekuni Inadera
  • , Takeo Nakayama
  • , Hiroyasu Iso
  • , Masayuki Shima
  • , Youichi Kurozawa
  • , Narufumi Suganuma
  • , Koichi Kusuhara
  •  & Takahiko Katoh

Contributions

HK initiated the concept and designed the study. HK, TF, TM, KI, ShY, AY, HN, KF, and KH provided advice regarding the design of the study. MK, AS, and YO collected the data. HK analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript. MH, KF, SeY, MK, AS, YO, KH, and the JECS group reviewed the manuscript and provided critical advice. All authors approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hyo Kyozuka.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The JECS protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ministry of the Environment’s Institutional Review Board on Epidemiological Studies and by the Ethics Committees of all participating institutions. The JECS was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and other nationally valid regulations and guidelines. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kyozuka, H., Murata, T., Fukuda, T. et al. Preconception vitamin D intake and obstetric outcomes in women using assisted reproductive technology: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 22, 542 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-022-04861-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-022-04861-2

Keywords

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

ISSN: 1471-2393

Contact us