title: Vitamin D Status in Pregnant Omanis: A disturbingly high proportion of patients with low vitamin D stores.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to determine the vitamin D status of pregnant Omanis by measurement of their circulating 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples were obtained from a cohort of 103 consecutive healthy pregnant Omanis at the Armed Forces Hospital, Muscat, on their first antenatal visit. The study took place in May, June and July 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vitamin D deficiency was present in 34 (33%) of patients (25OHD3 <25 nmol/L), 'at risk' levels were found in 67 (65%) patients (25OHD3 25-50 nmol/L); two patients (1.9%) had values between 50 and 75 nmol/L, and no patients in the optimal range >75 nmol/L.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If confirmed, these findings indicate the need for vitamin D replacement during pregnancy and lactation. Although not evidence based we recommend at least 1000 IU of cholecalciferol, (vitamin D3) daily.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and.
authors.forename: Moza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al Kalbani
authors.forename: Omayma
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Elshafie
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rawahi
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Mamari
authors.forename: Abdullah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Zakwani
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Woodhouse