Vitamin D Supplements During Pregnancy may Reduce MS Risk in Offspring

Taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy could reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis among babies born to mothers who live in colder countries where there is less sunshine, says a new study.

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that babies born during the months of April and May have a 5 to 10 percent higher risk of developing MS compared to those born during October and November who have a 5 to 10 percent lower risk compared to the average.

"Around 90 per cent of women are vitamin D deficient during the winter months which means pregnant women are especially at risk. Research has been pointing this was for years but this is the biggest study of its kind. It may only be a small effect but it is now proven. Taking supplements of 1,000 iu (international units) of vitamin D a day cannot do pregnant women any harm, and it is likely to reduce the incidence of this devastating disease", lead researcher Dr Sreeram Ramagopalan said.


Source: Medindia