Maternal vitamin D and brain development Research Paper

Maternal vitamin D and brain development - Research Paper Example However, scientists are conducting further studies to find the maximum possible quantity of Vitamin D intake for pregnant and lactating mothers, while considering any possible side effects of its higher dose intake. Nevertheless, it is an established fact that this supplement helps in the development of skeletal and brain of the fetus, during pregnancy without any malfunction. While deficiency of Vitamin D is common in female population of countries with less sunshine, it is more evident in women with darker skin pigmentation.. In addition, research has found that 9.2 percent females are having such deficiency against the 6.6 percent males. The benefits of Vitamin D intake during pregnancy include helping in development of strong bone structure, as its deficiency results in reduced bone mineral content for the newborn. Chances of miscarriage are reduced with intake of Vitamin D that produces immunological changes in the mother, during early stages of pregnancy. In addition, medical research has found a link between Vitamin D and medical abnormalities like schizophrenia, as its deficiency can effect the normal brain development causing such kind of malfunction during adulthood.(Hollis & Wagner, 2014) Research has also collected evidence that Vitamin D intake during pregnancy can help in preventing the development of immunological diseases like asthma, wheezing, allergic infections, diabetes and respiratory tract infections, after the child grows into adulthood. Skull bones are also strengthened by the intake of this supplement as its deficiency means week skull bone structure that can cause brain injury at the time of delivery. Several epidemiological studies suggest that while Vitamin D deficiency is common in almost all pregnancies, it is more prevalent in black women, as they represent 29 percent of the total females having low intake of Vitamin D, against 5 percent of