Vitamin D in Pregnancy: Why Expectant Mothers Should Pay Special Attention
Why Vitamin D is so important during pregnancy
Vitamin D is much more than a "sun vitamin" – it controls calcium and phosphate metabolism and is thus directly involved in the bone and tooth development of the unborn child. Insufficient supply to the mother can affect the development of the child's skeleton and is associated in specialist literature with, among other things, an increased risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
At the same time, studies show that vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the general population – and especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding – as daily intake often falls short of the recommendations of the D-A-CH professional societies.
How much vitamin D do pregnant women need?
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) estimates an intake of 20 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D per day (equivalent to 800 International Units, IU) for adults, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women – provided that sufficient endogenous production through sunlight does not occur. This value refers to the total intake from food, fortified foods, and dietary supplements.
In practice, the laboratory parameter for assessing supply is not the vitamin D value itself, but the concentration of calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D) in blood serum. The reference value used by the DGE is 50 nmol/l.
Why the demand is often not met during pregnancy
Endogenous vitamin D production heavily depends on UVB radiation, which is barely sufficient in Central Europe from approximately October to March. In addition, many pregnant women – for good reason – spend less time and less often in direct sunlight and are more cautious about sun protection, which makes extensive unprotected sun exposure for vitamin D production generally not advisable (increased skin cancer risk). As a result, food or targeted supplementation often remains the more reliable source.
Sources of vitamin D in the diet
Only a few foods provide significant amounts of vitamin D:
- Fatty sea fish (herring, mackerel, salmon)
- Egg yolk
- Butter, certain cheeses
- Fortified foods (e.g., some margarines)
Since these amounts are rarely sufficient in daily life to fully cover the requirement of 20 µg, targeted dietary supplementation – ideally after consulting with a gynecologist or midwife – can be beneficial.
What to look for when choosing a supplement
- Transparent dosage: Check if the daily dose corresponds to the needs of pregnant women.
- Combination with vitamin K2: In some preparations, vitamin K2 supports calcium metabolism; individual coordination with the doctor is advisable.
- Origin and manufacturing standard: Look for products made in Germany with verifiable quality assurance.
- No self-medication in high doses: According to BfR assessment, permanent oversupply can lead to health risks; stick to the recommended daily amount or medical instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I take vitamin D throughout my entire pregnancy?
Yes, provided the recommended daily amount is not exceeded. In case of pre-existing conditions (e.g., kidney disease), intake should be medically supervised.
Is sunlight alone sufficient?
In the summer months, moderate sun exposure can make a significant contribution. In the darker seasons, this is usually not sufficient in Central Europe.
Does my vitamin D status also affect my baby after birth?
Yes – since breast milk contains only small amounts of vitamin D (on average around 0.073 µg per 100 ml), breastfed newborns in Germany routinely receive their own vitamin D prophylaxis regardless of the mother's status.
Sources
- German Nutrition Society (DGE) – Reference values for vitamin D. https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/referenzwerte/vitamin-d/ (Accessed on August 12, 2026)
- Consumer Center – Dietary supplements for pregnancy and breastfeeding, vitamin D recommendation of 20 µg/day in case of insufficient endogenous synthesis. https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/... (Accessed on August 12, 2026)
- Gesundheitsinformation.de (IQWiG) – Why is it recommended to give babies vitamin D? (Information on breast milk vitamin D content). https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/... (Accessed on August 12, 2026)
Note: This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. For questions about your personal vitamin D supply, please consult your gynecologist or midwife.