A new study found that more than half of pregnant women and their unborn children in the Northern United States are deficient in vitamin D. This deficiency is associated with future skeletal problems, type 1 diabetes, schizophrenia, and lowered immune function. Interestingly, more than 90% of the women in the study used prenatal vitamins!
Clearly pregnant women require more information on vitamin D--here it is:
- Get lots of sun! Your hands and face are the most important parts to expose--if possible get a minimum of 30 minutes of sun per day.
- Fish is an excellent source of vitamin D--unfortunately pregnant women need to avoid fish due to its high mercury content. Occasional consumption of wild salmon is OK.
- Eggs and liver are good sources of vitamin D.
- Pregnant women should supplement with 200-400IU of vitamin D per day. If you eat meat and get plenty of sun use 200IU's, if you are vegetarian and get little sun lean toward 400IU's. Recent research has shown that you need to be sure your supplement has the active form of vitamin D--it is called D3, or cholecalciferol. D2 (ergocalciferol) is much less effective--it is used to fortify foods--hence the deficiency!
- Lastly, get your kids outside. Not only is it nature's playground and a source of endless fun and growth, its good for them!
Read the
study.