2026-05-19 14:11:05
Taking higher doses of vitamin D during pregnancy could give children a memory boost lasting into later childhood.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen analysed data from around 500 children whose mothers took part in a clinical trial comparing standard and high-dose vitamin D supplements during pregnancy.
One group of mothers received the NHS-recommended 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily, while another took a much higher 70 microgram dose.
Scientists then tested the children’s memory at the age of 10.
The results showed youngsters whose mothers had taken the higher dose performed slightly better in memory tests than those exposed to the standard amount.
Experts say the findings add to growing evidence that prenatal nutrition may influence how the brain develops.
Professor Andrew Shennan, of King’s College London, said: “Given how cheap and safe vitamin D is at these doses, it could have a significant public health benefit in the future if the findings are real.”
He added the results matched previous animal research but warned against jumping to conclusions.
Professor Shennan said: “As it was an ad hoc analysis and wasn’t pre-defined, this may be a chance finding.
“It would be important to confirm this in other datasets before making recommendations.
“The benefit could, however, be even greater in less nourished populations.
“These findings were only apparent after 10 years, so this should encourage others to look at this with this timeframe in mind.”
Not all experts were convinced that the findings prove a direct effect.
Lucía Iglesias Vázquez, a researcher in nutrition and public health, said: “This is a post hoc analysis, meaning it was not the original primary objective of the trial, and the observed effect sizes are modest.
“Overall, the study reinforces the hypothesis that prenatal nutrition may influence child neurodevelopment, but further studies are still needed.”
Professor Asma Khalil, a specialist at St George’s Hospital, University of London, also urged caution.
She said: “The findings are interesting and add to growing evidence that Vitamin D is important in pregnancy, but they do not mean that taking very high doses of Vitamin D will make children ‘smarter’.
“Pregnant women should continue to follow existing medical advice on Vitamin D supplementation.”
The NHS currently recommends pregnant and breastfeeding women take a daily 10-microgram vitamin D supplement to support healthy development.
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