Metabolic effects of vitamin D supplementation on electrolyte balance and pregnancy outcome of preeclamptic women in South West, Nigeria

Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) remains a major cause of complications worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria. Vitamin D seems to be a viable agent in the management of PE through its influence on electrolyte balance. This study aimed at assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation on electrolytes of preeclamptic women and investigates the role of vitamin D in the improvement of pregnancy outcome. Methods: Nearly, 150 women were recruited at 22 weeks gestation from antenatal clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria between year 2016 and 2018 and grouped into 50 normotensive pregnant women (Group A), 50 non supplemented preeclamptic women (Group B). Fifty preeclamptic women were given 1,000 IU/day of vitamin D3 for 8 weeks after recruitment at 22 weeks (Group C). Electrolytes, creatinine (Cr), and urea were quantified by the standard methods.