Long known for its role as a preprohormone in calcium and bone homeostasis, our understanding of vitamin D now extends to its functions in regulating innate and adaptive immunity. From early in pregnancy, there is a rise in circulating levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, but drop to prepregnancy levels after birth. A growing body of evidence indicates that vitamin D can affect gene expression, including genes associated with immune defense pathways. In turn, vitamin D metabolism during pregnancy

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... is modulated by the individual's genetic background. In the future, this knowledge may enable us to fine-tune the dosing of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, as well as identify subgroups of women who may be at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency.