The relationship between vitamin D intake with umbilical cord serum interleukin-6 levels

Background: During pregnancy, vitamin D is associated with the growth and development of the fetus, especially in the third trimester. Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating the body's immune system and the placenta. This study aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D intake and interleukin-6 levels in umbilical cord serum.
Methods and study design: This research was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design, at Hermina Hospital, BMC, Reksodiwiryo Hospital, and Unand Biomedical Laboratory on June-December 2022. The samples were 40 pregnant women at term. The sampling technique was consecutive sampling. Data was collected by taking maternal blood, umbilical cord, and birth weight and filling out the FFQ questionnaire. Examination of serum IL-6 by ELISA method. Bivariate analysis used Pearson correlation tests.
Result: The mean intake of vitamin D, umbilical cord serum IL-6 levels was 16.54 ± 2.92 μg, 98.75±16.58 ng/L. Intake of vitamin D with umbilical cord serum IL-6 levels showed a weak relationship but not significantly (r = -0.243;p= 0.131).
Conclusion: There is no relationship between vitamin D intake and IL-6 levels in umbilical cord serum. It is expected that pregnant women can consume foods that contain vitamin D.