Neonatology
Restricting vitamin D intake during pregnancy lowers infant birth weight
By IANS
Apr 25, 2006, 20:48

Pregnant women who drink a certain quantity of milk every day could have a healthy baby, says a study.

Milk is an important source of vitamin D, calcium, riboflavin, protein and energy during pregnancy, but some women are advised to cut down their consumption for various reasons including the prevention of allergies in their children.

Dr Kristine Koski and other researchers at McGill University in Canada found that babies of mothers who drank at least half a pint of milk a day during pregnancy weighed more at birth than those born to women who drank less, reported the online edition of Telegraph.

Restricting milk or vitamin D intake during pregnancy lowered infant birth weight in otherwise healthy, non-smoking, well-educated mothers, the study published in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal said.

"This is an important finding because increasing numbers of women are restricting milk consumption during pregnancy believing that it will lower fat intake, minimise weight gain, treat self-diagnosed lactose intolerance or prevent their children from developing allergies," Koski said.

"Although most nutrients in milk may be replaced from other foods or with supplements, vitamin D is found in few commonly consumed foods except for milk.

"Mothers and health professionals need to understand that this dietary practice may restrict essential nutrients and negatively affect foetal development," the researchers said.

All rights reserved by www.rxpgnews.com