A new research work discovers an important association between vitamin D levels and IQ
The vitamin D is one of the nutrients more important for the health of the organism . Following this line, new research has found that high levels of this vitamin during pregnancy is associated with a higher coefficient intellectual in children.
Despite its importance to health, deficiency of vitamin D is common in much of the Spanish population. In addition, this study explains that skin color can also influence the adequate obtaining of this nutrient.
According to Melissa Melough, lead author of the study that concerns us, around the 80% of pregnant black-skinned women may have vitamin D deficiencies. In this regard, this researcher clarifies that “melanin pigment protects the skin against sun damage, but by blocking ultraviolet rays, melanin also reduces the production of vitamin D from the skin.
It is true that many women take prenatal vitamins for the proper development of pregnancy. However, this may not correct the vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D and IQ
The research work that concerns us had the participation of more than 1. 500 women and their children, who were followed for 5 years.
VitaminThus, the researchers observed that women with higher levels of vitamin D during pregnancy caused their children to have a higher IQ between 4 and 6 years of age.
Regarding this matter, the author Melissa Melough argues that “vitamin D deficiency is quite common. The good news is that there is a relatively easy solution. It can be difficult to get the right amount of vitamin D through diet, and not everyone can make up for this gap through sun exposure, so that a good solution is to take a supplement ».
In any case, experts recommend consulting a medical specialist before starting supplementation with this vitamin, with the aim that this treatment is developed under specific guidelines.
Although there are different opinions on the matter, the National Institute of Health of the United States recommends taking a daily intake of 600 IU of vitamin D.
Common deficiency
The main source of obtaining vitamin D is the exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Although, the consumption of certain foods such as oily fish, avocados, egg yolks, enriched dairy products or mushrooms help to supplement the levels of this nutrient.
Despite this, there is generally a vitamin D deficiency among the population, especially due to low exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
In conclusion, the expert Melissa Melough states that “I want people to know that it is a common problem and that it can affect the development of children. Vitamin D deficiency can occur even if you eat a healthy diet. Sometimes it is related to our lifestyle, skin pigmentation or other factors beyond our control. ”
