CALGARY- Baby on the way? A new study out finds that expecting moms need to up their vitamin D intake to help with a healthy pregnancy.
Calgary researchers looked at data from 31 different studies involving the vitamin and pregnancy outcomes. It found consistent links between low levels of Vitamin D and an increase risk of gestational diabetes, pregnancy infection, pre-eclampsia and low birth weight.
The study author recommends women take a supplement.
“Everybody who is pregnant, or if they plan to get pregnant, they should take the minimum requirement of vitamin D which is 600 units per day,” recommends Dr. Fariba Aghajafari.
Vitamin D is often present in pre-natal multivitamins, but it may not be at a high enough dose. Women should ensure they’re getting at least 600 units, and up to 4,000 units is safe.
Many Canadians have low levels of vitamin D, since it’s difficult to get from food sources and the sun.
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