Role of Vitamin D in pregnancy

Keeping Vitamin D levels on the higher side of normal could benefit the newborn child as they grow old.

Adequate Vitamin D levels during pregnancy ensure stronger muscles in children as they grow old.

‘Muscle strength peaks in young adulthood before decling in older age and low grip strength in adulthood has been associated with poor health outcomes including diabetes, falls and fractures’ said Nicholas Harvey, lecturer at University of Southampton. The study was published in Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

It is estimated that the greater muscle mass seen at four years of age in children born to mothers with higher Vitamin D levels would help reduce the burden of illness associated with loss of muscle mass in old age.

All expectant mothers should ensure they have higher levels of Vitamin D during their entire pregnancy.

Written by Dr. Ajay Sati.