Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and is preserved for historical interest. Some recommendations, regulations, and scientific evidence have changed since it was written. It reflects the research and perspectives available at that time.
Gallbladder stasis (cholestasis) is a common complication in pregnancy. A recent study appearing in Digestive Diseases and Sciences (2015 Sep;60(9):2793-9. doi: 10.1007/s10620-015-3678-9. Epub 2015 May 12) looked at a possible connection cholestasis and vitamin D deficiency.
Women who were between 12 and 16 weeks pregnant were enrolled in the study. Serum vitamin D levels were measured and those with vitamin D levels lower than 20 ng/ml were considered to be vitamin D deficient. Gallbladder stasis was determined by measuring the gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) with ultrasound after the subjects ate a fatty meal. Overall, women who were vitamin D deficient had a lower GBEF, and more women with vitamin D deficiency were diagnosed with gallbladder stasis.
