SRILAGNA SARKAR, AMITY UNIVERSITY KOLKATA
Vitamin D is one very critical nutrient in the developmental process, of neurocognitive function and in embryonic neuronal differentiation. Although the recent observational studies have shown an inconsistent link between gestational Vitamin D and its neurocognitive outcomes. As we already know the pigment Melanin protects the skin by blocking UV rays but this also reduces Vitamin D production of the skin.
In a study conducted by the Department of Child Health, Behaviour and Development at Seattle Children’s Research institute it was found that Vitamin D deficiency is common among people in general and mostly in pregnant women. But most importantly it highlights a higher deficiency of the nutrient in dark-skinned pregnant women, due to their higher skin melanin content. After looking into the several other factors related to the IQ levels, higher Vitamin D levels during pregnancy were associated with higher IQ levels in children of ages 4 to 6.
A mother’s nutrient supply is passed onto the embryo in utero which helps regulate the development processes along with the brain development of the baby. Deficiency of Vitamin D in pregnant may affect the child’s brain development. Out of all these what is to be noted is that Vitamin D deficiency is quite “prevalent” among many and the solution to this is relatively easy. Regular screening and nutritional supplementation may help in correcting the Vitamin D levels for those at higher risk and promote cognitive functioning in offsprings.
Also read: Combating cigarette smoking-induced COPD through Dual Bronchodilators
Source: https://academic.oup.com/jn/advancearticleabstract/doi/10.1093/jn/nxaa309/5951845
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It’s a really fantastic article..one more point that could be added was that when body is not receiving enough sunlight to trigger vitamin D formation…body is using the left over vitamin D and hence even less is communicated to the foetus.
Thanks Saqueib! And yes thanks for pointing that out, will keep that in mind the next time.
Valo hoeche.