Association of Vitamin D And Minerals With Anemia in Pregnant Women’s

Abstract

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health problem associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Besides iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency and mineral imbalances may contribute to impaired erythropoiesis. This study evaluated the association of serum vitamin D and selected mineral levels with anemia among pregnant women.

Method: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 pregnant women (180 anemic and 180 non-anemic). Demographic and obstetric data were collected, and serum hemoglobin, vitamin D, selenium, zinc, copper, and calcium levels were measured. Group comparisons were performed using the independent t-test and Chi-square test, while multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with anemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result: Anemic pregnant women had significantly lower mean hemoglobin, vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and calcium levels, while serum copper levels were significantly higher than those of non-anemic women (all p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency showed the strongest association with anemia (OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 2.05–5.72), followed by low selenium (OR = 2.71), low zinc (OR = 2.38), low calcium (OR = 1.92), and elevated copper (OR = 1.76), all of which were significantly associated with an increased risk of anemia during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and alterations in essential mineral levels, particularly low selenium, zinc, and calcium and elevated copper, are significantly associated with anemia during pregnancy. Routine assessment of these micronutrients, along with appropriate nutritional interventions, may help improve maternal health and reduce the burden of pregnancy-related anemia.