Bone density of child depends on Mother’s Vitamin D level

Researchers from the University of Southampton in a recent issue of Lancet in which they have reported that the results of the study in which women who did not have sufficient Vitamin D amount during their pregnancy increased the risk of developing children’s with low bone density which can lead to fractures, osteoporosis and other bone related problems later in their life. Professor Cyrus Cooper and his team conducted the test in 596 pregnant women, the Vitamin D levels of pregnant women was determined and after child birth the calcium level of the new born baby was determined from the umbilical cord and after 10 years, the bone density of the child was determined. The study results found that the pregnant women who had low vitamin D levels had children’s with low calcium level detected in umbilical cord and low bone mass density in the child at 10 years of age.

Vitamin D is required for absorption of calcium from blood and this absorbed calcium is required for the growth of strong bones and teeth. Researchers are finding out whether in taking high Vitamin D during pregnancy can increase the calcium levels in children’s. Sunlight is the main source of Vitamin D which seems to be a problem during winter and countries with experience less sunlight which, can be compensated by taking Vitamin D and calcium rich diet.