Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the vitamin D status of people in the West of Ireland.

Objective: Identify the impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on the vitamin D status of individuals in the west of Ireland.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Adults who had wintertime serum 25(OH)D analysis completed in Galway University Hospital.

Title: Understanding a Low Vitamin D State in the Context of COVID-19.

While a low vitamin D state has been associated with an increased risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 in addition to an increased severity of COVID-19 disease, a causal role is not yet established. Here, we review the evidence relating to i) vitamin D and its role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease ii) the vitamin D status in the Irish adult population iii) the use of supplemental vitamin D to treat a deficient status and iv) the application of the Bradford-Hill causation criteria. We conclude that reverse causality probably makes a minimal contribution to the presence of low vitamin D states in the setting of COVID-19.

How do women feel about being weighed during pregnancy? A qualitative exploration of the opinions and experiences of postnatal women.

Objective: to explore routine weighing in antenatal care and weight management in pregnancy with women who have been weighed during pregnancy.

Design: a qualitative study utilising semi-structured telephone interviews, and thematic analysis.

Setting: participants resided in Dublin, Ireland and had been weighed during pregnancy.

Socio-economic differences in food group and nutrient intakes among young women in Ireland.

The present study aimed to investigate socio-economic disparities in food and nutrient intakes among young Irish women. A total of 221 disadvantaged and seventy-four non-disadvantaged women aged 18-35 years were recruited. Diet was assessed using a diet history protocol.