New Research Says One-Third of Expecting Mothers in the U.S. Are Vitamin D Deficient for Healthy Pregnancies

Elevated vitamin D levels in a mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy have been associated with enhanced IQ scores and fewer behavioral issues in early childhood. Research led by experts from the University of Delaware reveals that children of mothers with higher vitamin D levels scored significantly better in memory, attention, and problem-solving assessments between ages seven and twelve, as detailed in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.The study highlights that the connection between prenatal vitamin D and cognitive performance was particularly pronounced among Black families, who experience higher vitamin D deficiency rates. This finding implies that vitamin D supplementation might be a beneficial, cost-effective method to foster brain development and address racial health disparities.Conducting an analysis of over 900 mother-child pairs from the ECHO study, the team controlled for various developmental influencers, underscoring the potential for enhanced cognitive outcomes through optimal vitamin D levels during pregnancy, particularly in the crucial early stages.