Low Vitamin D During First Trimester Linked to Preterm Birth Risk

A vital nutrient at any stage of life, studies show that vitamin D is particularly important during pregnancy. The risks of ADHD and autism have both been found to be higher in children whose mother had a vitamin D deficiency while pregnant, for example. A maternal vitamin D deficiency has also been shown to increase a baby’s lifetime diabetes risk.

Conversely, researchers have found that pregnant women who take vitamin D supplements could substantially reduce the likelihood of their babies suffering from atopic eczema. Children whose mothers took extra vitamin D during pregnancy have similarly been shown to have stronger bones at age seven, as well as a reduced risk of asthma. An association has also been demonstrated between higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy and greater childhood IQ scores.

To learn more about the importance of micronutrients during pregnancy, read parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature article on our website.