IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D IN PREGNANCY

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for enhancing intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 and vitamin D2.

A UK study of pregnant women that followed their babies into early childhood finds kids were likely to have stronger muscles if their mothers had higher levels of vitamin D during pregnancy.

Although previous studies have linked reduced muscle strength in children and adults to low levels of vitamin D in their own bodies, not much is known about links to levels in their mothers’ bodies when they were carrying them before birth.

Of the nutrients our bodies require for health, vitamin D is unique. While we get it from foods like fish, cheese, beef liver, eggs and fortified cereals, our main source is our bodies making it from sunlight.

Vitamin D helps us absorb and metabolize calcium and phosphorous, keep our bones healthy and regulate the immune system. There have also been suggestions that it keeps the brain working later in life, and reduces the risk of many diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

The researchers behind this new study say low levels of vitamin D are also fairly common among young women in the UK; and while pregnant women are urged to supplement their diets with an additional 10μg per day, not many do.

For the study, lead investigator Dr. Nicholas Harvey, Senior Lecturer at the MRC LEU in the University of Southampton, examined data on 678 mothers taking part in the Southampton Women’s Survey (SWS) and whose vitamin D levels were measured in late pregnancy.

The survey followed the mothers and their children, who at the age of four, underwent tests of grip strength and muscle mass, among others.

When they analyzed the results, the team found higher levels of vitamin D in the mother when pregnant was linked to higher grip strength in their children.

There was also a less pronounced link between vitamin D in pregnancy and children’s muscle mass.