Infants who are deficient in Vitamin D at birth are at six times higher risk for getting respiratory syncytical virus during their first year of life compared with infants with very higher levels of Vitamin D, says a new study.
The study covered 156 newborns in the Netherlands. They found a strong association between cord blood vitamin D levels and women taking vitamin D3 supplements during their pregnancy. About half of newborns had low vitamin D levels, and 18 developed lower respiratory tract infections during their first year.
Only 46% of women taking part in the study said they used vitamin D supplements during their pregnancy.
The researchers said that it was felt Vitamin D intake during pregnancy most likely prevents a highly frequent, severe disease during infancy.
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