Did you know that an infant’s vitamin D blood level at birth is closely correlated to that of the mother?
This means that a baby can be born deficient in vitamin D if the mother is deficient as well!
Why is Vitamin D Important?
Vitamin D is not a regular vitamin, it is a steroid hormone responsible for intestinal absorption of calcium, zinc, phosphate, and magnesium. It is also imperative to one’s immune system.
-Research shows that approximately 50% of Caucasian women, 66% of Hispanic women, and 94% of African American women are deficient in Vitamin D.
-Late in the 3rd trimester, baby’s skeleton undergoes a rapid growth, which requires vitamin D. The use of vitamin D by baby taxes the vitamin D supply of the mother and her blood levels drops over the course of the 3rd trimester.
-Adequate levels of vitamin D protect a newborn from tetany, convulsions and heart failure.
-Adequate levels of vitamin D can reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes if infant receives enough of this important hormone within its first year of life.
-New studies show that at least 4,000IUs per day of vitamin D while pregnant can reduce risks of complications such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and infection.
-Over the last decade, more and more studies suggest that vitamin D also protects against immune system disorders and other diseases.
SO, how much should you take??
-During pregnancy, it is important to eat foods that are high in vitamin D such as salmon, egg yolks and grass-fed butter. Forget milk
fortified with vitamin D as the majority of people lack the ability to digest and absorb vitamin D through milk.
-At least 2,000IUs of vitamin D3 is recommended and up to 4,000IUs is ideal per day.
-While breastfeeding, a mother needs to consume at least 6400IUs of vitamin D to pass enough via breastmilk to baby.
-It is not advised to consume more than 10,000IUs per day.
What supplement should you take?
-Vitamin D3 is the active form of vitamin D. Some synthetic prenatal vitamins only contain vitamin D2 and the others that contain active vitamin D3 are not anywhere close to the recommended daily intake mentioned above.
-First, make sure you are eating foods high in vitamin D listed above.
-Second, make sure you are taking a good quality, whole food prenatal. Check out my Products Page for my favorite prenatal Vitamins!
-Third, choose a good quality vitamin D3 supplements. And no, it shouldn’t come in a chewable gummy. Check out my favorite HERE!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime!
*And of course, always consult your doctor before supplementing your diet and then do your own research*
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.