Vitamin D during pregnancy

18/01/2012

Vitamin D deficiency in the mother duringpregnancy can have important effects on their children during pregnancy and childhood.Besides its importance for proper bone development, vitamin D also plays a role on immunity and prevention of infections. Proper diet and sun exposure in moderation are key toachieving optimal levels of vitamin D.

INMA Project researchers assessed whetherblood levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 in mothers during pregnancy were associated withthe risk of respiratory infections and asthma bychildren.

1724 children to study

After studying 1724 children, the results showed that high levels of vitamin D in the blood during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of respiratory infections inchildren in the early years of life. However, there was no association between vitamin Dlevels during pregnancy and the risk of asthma in children. It conluyó, among other things, that increased sun exposure in moderation and adequate intake of foods rich in vitamin D during pregnancy is highly recommended to improve respiratory health in childhood.

Enclosed is an article in summary made by Eva Morales, MD, MPH, a specialist in preventive medicine and public health.

• Study results: ‘Maternal Vitamin D Status in Pregnancy and Risk of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections, Wheezing and Asthma in Offspring’