Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Vitamin B in Pregnancy Can Prevent Babies from Brain Problems

by Adeline Dorcas on March 15, 2019 at 11:48 AM
Vitamin B in Pregnancy Can Prevent Babies from Brain Problems

Having enough vitamin B levels during pregnancy can protect your child from brain disorders caused by cold or flu, reports a new study. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

Besides flu vaccines, maternal intake of a vitamin B nutrient can prevent babies from brain disorders caused by cold or flu in pregnancy, says a team of researchers.

Advertisement


The study showed that higher levels of choline prevented brain problems and mental illness, like attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia, in babies even when the mother had a cold or flu during pregnancy.

"Cold and flu are often unavoidable, even if the mother has had a flu shot. But cold and flu during pregnancy double the risk of future mental illnesses. More and more information show choline helps the baby's brain develop properly," said Robert Freedman, Professor at the University of Colorado in the US.
Advertisement

"We found higher levels of choline prevent foetal brain problems from developing, even when the mother is infected. Choline supplements in pregnancy can have a lifelong benefit for the infant," Freedman said.

For the study, the team assessed prenatal maternal infection, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) -- a marker of maternal inflammation -- and the mothers' choline levels.

Brain development before birth was assessed by measuring the baby's brain waves soon after birth.

When mothers had a cold or flu during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, the newborns' ability to cease or delay the effect on the brain decreased by 27 percent.

Maternal flu also decreased children's ability to pay attention and play.

However, these effects were prevented if the mother had higher choline levels, the findings showed.

While the body creates some choline on its own and it is also naturally present in certain foods, including liver, red meat and eggs, pregnant women are recommended 450 mg of choline a day to improve babies' brain development.

Source: IANS
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Diet & Nutrition News

Swap Pulses For Protein & Grains for a Nutritious American Diet
The nutritional profile of American diet can be significantly improved by substituting small amounts of pulses for refined grains and common protein sources.
Limiting Obesity-Linked Isoleucine in Diet Promotes Healthy Aging
Lowering the intake of isoleucine in diet can extend lifespan, promote a slim body, anti-aging properties, and reduce cancer and prostate health issues.
Expert Guidance on Thanksgiving Leftovers
Keep Thanksgiving leftovers safe: Refrigerate promptly, use airtight containers, label and date, and reheat properly.
How Nutrition Overcomes Anxiety, Depression & Diabetes?
Poor nutrition raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, and mental issues like anxiety and depression. Nutrition interventions aid in managing these health issues.
Micronutrient Deficiencies as a Silent Driver of Global Antibiotic Resistance
Micronutrient deficiencies may play a crucial role in the worldwide surge of antibiotic resistance.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Vitamin B in Pregnancy Can Prevent Babies from Brain Problems Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests