The month of April is recognized as National Minority Health Month in the United States, and today is the first day of Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), which takes place every year from April 11-17.

Last week, we reviewed data showing how increasing vitamin D levels to the 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L) range could virtually eliminate racial health disparities seen among those with darker skin. It is an unfortunate reality that Blacks have the lowest levels of vitamin D, with a 15-20 fold higher prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency. According to NHANES data, approximately 68% of Black women have vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L) and at these levels, would be expected to have a 20% preterm birth rate; this is a problem that must be addressed for mothers within these groups of darker skin!

Below, we share our own research showing the gap in preterm birth outcomes between white and black mothers – a gap that virtually disappears when vitamin D deficiency is corrected.

We have previously summarized the main results from a published GrassrootsHealth study showing a 62% lower risk of preterm birth for women with vitamin D levels at or above 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L) compared to women with levels less than 20 ng/ml. Below, we look at another analysis from that paper which assessed the association between vitamin D and preterm birth risk for white and non-white women. This was important to look at due to the racial and ethnic differences in preterm birth rates, with Black women having higher rates compared to other groups.

Among the women in the study (N=1,064), 10% of white women and 15% of non-white women had a preterm birth. Black women accounted for a majority (69%) of the non-white births and had a 19% preterm birth rate. For those with vitamin D levels at or above 40 ng/ml compared to women with levels less than 20 ng/ml, there was a 65% lower risk of preterm birth among white women (p=0.03) and a 68% lower risk among non-white women (p=0.008). The similar decreased risk suggests that improvements in vitamin D status may decrease the disparity in preterm birth rates between racial/ethnic groups.

As illustrated in the chart above, among women whose initial vitamin D level was less than 40 ng/ml, the preterm birth rate was 38% lower among white women (p=0.33) and 78% lower among non-white women (p=0.01) for those who raised their level to at least 40 ng/ml prior to giving birth vs. those who did not.

The most telling part of this analysis comes toward the end of the results section of the paper:

When statisticians crunch data, to sort out findings from a study, there are times when they want to make sure that the finding wasn’t due to a separate variable. For example, many times in vitamin D trials, they account for BMI, which is used as a marker for obesity.

Multivariable regression testing is a way to look at many variables within your trial and see how they affect each other. So, in the BMI example, did vitamin D lower all heart disease? Or only for those that had a BMI < 25? We won’t get into the math to make this computation happen, let’s just say the statisticians know their numbers.

So, the statement above is really the key to disparity and the plausible conclusion that vitamin D levels in recommended ranges (40-60 ng/ml) could level the playing field for all races.

Now, we KNOW that there is a huge disparity in preterm birth rates among racial groups. And, as you can now see, we can erase disparity in preterm birth caused by vitamin D deficiency, according to this analysis, by bringing everyone’s vitamin D levels to at least 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L).

It should be made clear to ALL that vitamin D alone has the potential to make a big difference in health outcomes, especially for black individuals. Learn why blacks are so deficient in vitamin D in the first place and what can be done to address this issue for all!

Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Choose which additional nutrients to measure, such as your omega-3s and essential minerals including magnesium and zinc, by creating your custom home test kit today. Take steps to improve the status of each of these measurements to benefit your overall health. With measurement you can then determine how much is needed and steps to achieve your goals. You can also track your own intakes, symptoms and results to see what works best for YOU.

The eBook, Vitamin D & COVID-19, A Summary of Published Research, is a condensed and concise compilation of much of the published research on vitamin D and COVID-19, easy to read and share as a downloadable, printable PDF. Your purchase helps to further public knowledge and education of this invaluable research! Be sure to educate yourself on the benefits and importance of vitamin D for immune health, and take steps to ensure you and your loved ones are getting enough.

Don't get stuck with low vitamin D levels - learn more about what might affect your level and response to supplementation, and the steps to take through each season to keep levels in your target range.

Have a beautiful and HEALTHY day.

Onwards,