Pregnant women advised to take vitamin D

By Shane Starling

- Last updated on GMT

British researchers have concluded pregnant women should be advised to take vitamin D after determining there is a “strong case” to back the vitamin’s benefits.

The researchers from the University College London Institute of Child Health wrote in the British Journal of Nutrition ​that supplementation of vitamin D will benefit pregnant women and reduce the risk of diseases such as infantile hypocalcaemia and rickets.

They said the UK was the only country in 31 that did not officially recommend vitamin D use women of reproductive age, even though the Department of Health advises pregnant women to take 10 micrograms per day.

But that advice is contradicted by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) which advises against supplements use – even though 10 micrograms is not usually attainable via a regular diet and sunshine.

The paper said the UK was the only one of 31 countries examined which did not recommend that women of reproductive age took a vitamin D supplement.

"The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in Britain is unacceptably high, especially during winter and spring,”​ said Dr Elina Hypponen, one of the report authors.

"This is compounded by a lack of exposure to sunlight and the limitations of an average diet to meet the optimal need. In the most severe cases, maternal vitamin D deficiency can be life threatening to a newborn.”

"We believe that the routine provision of a daily supplement throughout pregnancy would significantly decrease the number of mothers who are clearly vitamin D deficient, reducing related serious risks to their babies."

The research also highlighted the problem of women with dark skin who do not absorb as much sunlight and therefore manufacture less vitamin D in vivo.

Source: British Journal of Nutrition

Published online ahead of print doi:10.1017/S0007114510002436

“Avoidance of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy in the United Kingdom: the case for a unified approach in National policy”

Authors: Elina Hyppönen and Barbara J. Boucher

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Unlock sensory innovation with AromatiQ™ technology

Unlock sensory innovation with AromatiQ™ technology

Content provided by Lonza | 20-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

With 70% of consumers willing to pay a premium for a more enjoyable and memorable supplement experience, Lonza’s new AromatiQ™ technology enables brands...

From Biofarma a clinically tested vaginal protection

From Biofarma a clinically tested vaginal protection

Content provided by Biofarma Group | 05-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

Bacterial vaginosis is considered the most common cause of vaginal infection among pregnant and non-pregnant women. In this scenario, the oral intake of...

Research to Reality: Restorative Sleep

Research to Reality: Restorative Sleep

Content provided by Gencor | 02-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Gencor prides itself on its cutting-edge, science-driven solutions. Explore sleep support through gold-standard, clinically-validated dietary supplement...

Your guide to nutritional care innovation

Your guide to nutritional care innovation

Content provided by dsm-firmenich | 22-Aug-2024 | Insight Guide

The medical nutrition market is primed for innovation due to aging populations, chronic diseases, nutrition awareness and scientific advances. Our comprehensive...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars