Many pregnant women don't get enough vitamin D--and that can lead to weak bones in their children years later.
Researchers at the Princess Anne Maternity Hospital in Southampton, England, measured circulating vitamin D in 198 pregnant women and found that 31 percent had borderline-low vitamin D levels and 18 percent had outright deficiency. Nine years later, the investigators examined the bone density of the women's children and found that those whose mothers had adequate vitamin D levels during the third trimester of pregnancy had stronger bones than those whose moms had low vitamin D levels. Thin bones in childhood can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
These findings support growing evidence suggesting that vitamin D plays a vital role in protecting overall health. In addition to promoting bone strength, vitamin D may help prevent diabetes, multiple sclerosis, premenstrual syndrome, and some kinds of cancer.
While researchers aren't certain how much vitamin D pregnant women need, our medical consultants say that 400 international units (IU)--the amount in the typical prenatal vitamin--should be enough for most individuals.
However, women who consume few foods high in vitamin D, such as fatty fish and fortified items, and rarely get out in the sun--which stimulates production of the vitamin--might possibly need more D. They may want to ask their doctor to check their blood level of the vitamin.
Researchers at the Princess Anne Maternity Hospital in Southampton, England, measured circulating vitamin D in 198 pregnant women and found that 31 percent had borderline-low vitamin D levels and 18 percent had outright deficiency. Nine years later, the investigators examined the bone density of the women's children and found that those whose mothers had adequate vitamin D levels during the third trimester of pregnancy had stronger bones than those whose moms had low vitamin D levels. Thin bones in childhood can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
These findings support growing evidence suggesting that vitamin D plays a vital role in protecting overall health. In addition to promoting bone strength, vitamin D may help prevent diabetes, multiple sclerosis, premenstrual syndrome, and some kinds of cancer.
While researchers aren't certain how much vitamin D pregnant women need, our medical consultants say that 400 international units (IU)--the amount in the typical prenatal vitamin--should be enough for most individuals.
However, women who consume few foods high in vitamin D, such as fatty fish and fortified items, and rarely get out in the sun--which stimulates production of the vitamin--might possibly need more D. They may want to ask their doctor to check their blood level of the vitamin.
Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/health/natural-health/consumer-reports-moms-vitamin-d-shortage-weakens-childrens-bones-306-prenatal-vitamins-prenatal-development/index.htm
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