Maternal vitamin D deficiency may cause cognitive and physical development impairment in newborns

NEWS

Maternal vitamin D deficiency may be associated with cognitive and physical development impairment in infants, according to researchers in China.

COMMENT

As this study reminds us, ensuring a proper intake of micronutrients is essential throughout pregnancy. Inadequate nourishment at any time while a woman is pregnant will affect the organ systems, birth weight, and even survival of the baby. Particularly crucially, the way that the organs develop during pregnancy can also determine how their growth continues after the baby is born.

Due to a lack of scientific information being provided by governments and global health authorities, many women still do not realize that pregnancy increases the demand for specific nutrients which may not be met through diet alone. Micronutrients such as vitamin C, lysine, proline, folic acid and other B group vitamins, for example, are particularly essential for ensuring a healthy baby and preventing complications occurring during pregnancy.

We encourage all women who are already pregnant or planning to become pregnant to study parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature in the Research News section of our website.