Pregnant women sought for Vitamin D study The Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center has a new study. Preeclampsia, a form of pregnancy-induced hypertension, affects up to 8 percent of women in the United States, or about 300,000 women annually. Preeclampsia and heart disease are associated with vitamin D deficiency, a significant problem among rural women in the Northern Plains. The goal of the study is to identify nutritional factors and vascular mechanisms underlying the development of preeclampsia and heart disease. Who is eligible? Women, age 18 and older, who are pregnant and planning to deliver at Altru Hospital. Participants must have had no prior deliveries. At the time of application, they should be at less than 14 weeks of pregnancy. What will be required for this study? There are three visits to the Human Nutrition Research Center. Participants could earn up to $75 for this study. Interested in becoming a volunteer? Please call 701-795-8396. -- Brenda Ling, Information Officer, USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, brenda.ling@ars.usda.gov, 795-8300