The effect of vitamin D3 supplementation accompanied by self-care on its serum level in lactating mothers: A randomizes clinical trial

Due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, especially in lactating women and the importance of self-care of these mothers to ensure adequate concentration of vitamin D, this study was performed with aim to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation with self-care on its serum level in lactating mothers.

This randomized clinical trial study was performed in 2019 on 70 lactating mothers with serum vitamin D deficiency (D3 <30 ng / mL) referred to the health centers in Takab city. Concentration of 25OHvit. D3 Serum of all mothers was measured twice at baseline and 3 months after the end of intervention. By block randomization sampling method, the subjects were divided into two groups of 35 people (experimental and control). Self-care training was conducted for the intervention group in 4 sessions, with 7 days interval, in face to face form and telephone follow-up. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The two groups were homogeneous in demographic variables before the intervention. There was significant increase in vitamin D3 concentration in the intervention group compared to the control group after self-care training (p <0.001).

In addition to prescribing a vitamin D-rich diet to lactating mothers, sels-care and psychological induction of self-care behaviors are effective in taking vitamin D supplements in breastfeeding mothers.