Originally published February 13 2006
Study suggests pregnant women should get plenty of vitamin D
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Lancet has published a study of 198 mothers at Southampton General Hospital, and the study, led by Professor Cyrus Cooper, found that children born to women deficient in vitamin D had weaker bones at age nine than children born to mothers who had adequate amounts of the vitamin.
A study of 198 mothers indicated the children of those who lacked the vitamin, crucial for calcium absorption, had weaker bones at nine.
Those who took supplements or were exposed to more sunlight, which helps the body grow its own vitamin D, had children with greater bone densities.
Professor Cyrus Cooper, who led the team, said the findings provided evidence that maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy influenced the bone growth of offspring and their risk of osteoporosis in later life.
He told the BBC News it was the vitamin deficiency of the mother carrying the child, rather than the baby in early life, which affected the child's bone strength later.
The team from the Medical Research Council's Epidemiological Resource Centre at Southampton General Hospital measured the levels of vitamin D in women's blood in late pregnancy as well as studying calcium levels in the babies' cord blood.
This showed how vitamin D had helped calcium transfer across the placenta.
Nine years after the babies' delivery, the team traced 198 of the original 596 mothers who remained in the Southampton area and measured their children's bone mineral content and bone mineral density.
Professor Cooper now wants to carry out a study to see whether supplementation of vitamin D deficient pregnant mothers could lead to stronger bones in their babies in later life.
Professor James Walker of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said the study demonstrated the importance of having adequate levels of vitamin D in pregnancy, both for the mother and her baby.
Regular weight bearing exercise and a healthy balanced diet are all essential for keeping our skeletons strong as are stopping smoking and not drinking heavily," she said.
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