If you want a brainier child, take high-dose Vitamin D during pregnancy, experts claim

Taking high doses of vitamin D during pregnancy may be linked to better memory in children, a new analysis suggests.

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen analysed data from a clinical trial comparing two groups of mothers-to-be – one taking a standard 10mcg dose of vitamin D, and another given a higher 70mcg dose.

They then assessed the performance of their children in memory tests at the age of 10.

Around 500 children were included in the study.

The findings showed that youngsters whose mothers took the higher-dose supplements scored slightly better than those whose mothers received the standard amount.

Professor Andrew Shennan, professor of obstetrics in the Department of Women and Children’s Health at King’s College London, said:

‘Given how cheap and safe vitamin D is at these doses, it could have a significant public health benefit in the future if the findings are real.’

He added that the results were consistent with previous evidence from animal studies.

However, he cautioned that the findings should be interpreted carefully: ‘As it was an ad hoc analysis and wasn’t pre-defined, this may be a chance finding,’ he said. ‘It would be important to confirm this in other datasets before making recommendations.’ 

‘The benefit could, however, be even greater in less nourished populations. 

‘These findings were only apparent after 10 years, so this should encourage others to look at this with this timeframe in mind.’ 

However, Lucía Iglesias Vázquez, a researcher and lecturer in nutrition and public health, warned that the new study should be interpreted with caution. 

‘This is a post hoc analysis, meaning it was not the original primary objective of the trial, and the observed effect sizes are modest. 

‘Most participants had relatively adequate Vitamin D levels at the start of the study, so the results may not be generalisable to populations with more severe deficiency. 

‘Overall, the study reinforces the hypothesis that prenatal nutrition may influence child neurodevelopment, but further studies are still needed to determine which levels and timing of supplementation might have the greatest clinical impact.’

Prof Asma Khalil, Professor of Obstetrics and Maternal Medicine and Consultant Obstetrician, City St George’s, University of London, added: ‘In real-world terms, this study adds to the evidence that vitamin D during pregnancy is important, but it does not, by itself, justify changing clinical recommendations.

‘The findings are interesting and add to growing evidence that Vitamin D is important in pregnancy, but they do not mean that taking very high doses of Vitamin D will make children ‘smarter’.

‘Pregnant women should continue to follow existing medical advice on Vitamin D supplementation and speak with their healthcare professional before taking higher doses.’

The NHS recommends that all pregnant and breastfeeding women take a daily 10-microgram Vitamin D supplement to help the mother maintain bone health and ensure the baby receives enough for the development of healthy bones, teeth, kidneys, heart and nervous system