A review on association of mothers’ Vitamin D deficiency and single nucleotide polymorphism of Vitamin D receptor gene (ApaI) with risk of preterm birth and low birth weight

Abstract

Preterm birth and low birth weight are significant public health concerns associated with adverse neonatal outcomes and long-term health implications. Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in infants under the age of one year and vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. There is a very significant link between vitamin D deficiency and adverse pregnancy outcomes. For fetal growth and development, pregnant women must have a sufficient nutritional vitamin D level. Various genetic factors have been implicated in the susceptibility to these conditions, and the maternal Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism- ApaI, has emerged as a potential candidate. This review aims to provide a discussion of the existing literature on the association between mothers' vitamin D deficiency and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs-ApaI) of the VDR gene and the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.