2026-05-21 12:09:42
Taking higher doses of vitamin D during pregnancy could help boost a child’s memory years later, according to new research.
Scientists found youngsters whose mothers took larger amounts of the supplement while pregnant performed slightly better in memory tests at the age of 10.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, analysed data from around 500 children whose mothers had taken part in a clinical trial.
One group of mothers received the standard 10 microgram daily dose of vitamin D, while another was given a much higher 70 microgram supplement.
Researchers later tested the children’s memory and discovered those exposed to the higher dose in the womb achieved modestly better results.
The findings have sparked excitement, but experts insist pregnant women should not rush to change their supplement routine.
Andrew Shennan, professor of obstetrics at King’s College London, is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: “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: “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.”
Other experts urged caution.
Lucia Iglesias Vazquez, a researcher and lecturer 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.
“Most participants had relatively adequate Vitamin D levels at the start of the study, so the results may not be generalisable to populations with more severe deficiency.
“Overall, the study reinforces the hypothesis that prenatal nutrition may influence child neurodevelopment, but further studies are still needed to determine which levels and timing of supplementation might have the greatest clinical impact.”
Asma Khalil, Professor of Obstetrics and Maternal Medicine and Consultant Obstetrician, City St George’s, University of London, added: “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 and speak with their healthcare professional before taking higher doses.”
Current NHS guidance recommends pregnant and breastfeeding women take 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily to support both maternal and baby health.
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