Mothers’ low D promotes overweight kids
Babies whose mothers are low in vitamin D while pregnant are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) score and excess fat around the waist by age four to six years.
In this study, doctors measured vitamin D levels in 370 pregnant women at week 14, and found average levels were 18.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/mL), with about two thirds of the women below 20 ng/mL, meaning they were deficient. By ages four to six years, children whose mothers’ vitamin D levels were at or below 15 ng/mL had higher BMI scores and an average .34 inches larger waist circumference compared to children of mothers with higher levels of vitamin D.
Discussing the findings, doctors said even though the increase in abdominal fat may not seem like much, when projected across the entire lifespan may increase chances for health issues later in life.
Reference: Pediatric Obesity; 2018, Vol. 13, No. 8, 467-75
Vitamin D and breast cancer
Some earlier studies on vitamin D and breast cancer have had inconsistent results. In this study, doctors measured vitamin D levels in 627 Brazilian women, aged 45 to 75, 209 of whom had breast cancer and 418 similar women who did not.
Women with breast cancer were 43 percent more likely to be obese and 13 percent more likely to have insufficient levels of vitamin D, or to be deficient. Doctors said similar studies found women with higher vitamin D levels were more likely to survive, and that women with breast cancer should try to restore vitamin D levels to the normal range.
Reference: Menopause Journal; 2018, 97492, Published Online
Omega-3, vitamin D, and depression
In this study, 168 pre-diabetic women of childbearing age, who were also low in vitamin D, took a placebo; 50,000 IU of vitamin D every two weeks; 2,000 mg of omega-3 fish oil per day; or vitamin D and omega-3 together.
After eight weeks, symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality had all deteriorated for placebo while improving for all three supplement groups. Those taking omega-3 together with vitamin D saw the greatest improvement in these symptoms, and had the largest increase in circulating levels of vitamin D. Doctors said omega-3 with vitamin D improved mental health and sleep quality in pre-diabetic women of childbearing age who were low in vitamin D.
Reference: Brain and Behavior; 2021, brb3.2342, Published Online
Want more health articles? Visit betsyhealth.info
BetsyHealth Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before trying a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, including being pregnant or nursing, take prescription or over-the-counter medications, or are planning on having surgery.
Article copyright 2022 by Natural Insights for Well Being.All rights reserved. Used with permission.