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It’s baby steps to parenthood.
Moms-to-be try to do everything they can to have a healthy pregnancy, such as taking the right prenatal vitamins, exercising and visiting their doctor often.
Now, a new study suggests that taking high doses of a popular supplement during pregnancy could boost cognitive performance later in the child’s life.
A major global health problem among pregnant women, vitamin D deficiency can cause skeletal deformities and impair neurodevelopment, particularly cognitive function.
While previous research has explored the connection between the “sunshine vitamin” and neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and ADHD, this is believed to be among the first studies to track vitamin D’s effect on cognitive function in children.
Research published Monday in JAMA Network Open found positive associations between a high daily dose of vitamin D and visual memory, verbal memory and flexibility by the time the child turned 10.
More than 600 women who were 24 weeks pregnant took 2,800 international units of vitamin D or a standard 400 IU dose every day of their pregnancies and then for one week postpartum.
When the kids reached age 10, researchers used a comprehensive neurological test to assess their cognitive functioning.
Researchers looked at intelligence, processing speed, reaction time, attention, motor function, memory, working memory and executive functions.
Additional tests measured flexibility or set-shifting, which is the brain’s ability to switch between tasks.
The higher-dose group showed positive correlation with three of the functions: verbal memory, visual memory and set shift.
One other study examined the effects of prenatal vitamin D, showing that a 2,000 IU daily dose from week 12 until delivery resulted in better neurodevelopmental outcomes.
In particular, the study participants showed strong language skills at 3 to 5 years old.
Low vitamin levels during pregnancy don’t just potentially affect the child’s future memory skills.
A lack of the nutrient can also increase the risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia, which is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes.
Even after birth, low levels from a lack of sun exposure can result in weaker bones, more inflammation, worse immune support and food allergies, a common issue that affects approximately 1 in 13 US children.
While our bodies make this necessary nutrient when we’re exposed to light, it can also be found in foods including fatty fish, eggs and cheese.
Previous studies have shown that other supplements, such as folic acid, a type of B vitamin, taken early in pregnancy may also boost a child’s verbal and behavioral skills by the time they’re 6 years old.
Prenatal folic acid and multivitamin supplements have also been linked to a lower risk of autism spectrum disorder in children.
