02 May 2014
A new US study reports that a sufficient maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy may positively influence childhood tooth development and health.
The observational study measured blood vitamin D concentrations of 207 pregnant women and the tooth health of their children at the age of one year was documented (1). The study results showed that 33% of the women had deficient levels of vitamin D during pregnancy. The children of the vitamin D deficient mothers had a significantly higher risk of developing an incomplete or defective formation of the organic enamel matrix of the teeth in the embryonic stage (enamel hypoplasia) and/or cavitated early childhood caries, compared to the children of women with higher vitamin D levels.
The researchers commented that inadequate maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy seem to negatively affect tooth calcification, predisposing enamel hypoplasia and early childhood caries (ECC). Dental caries is the most common chronic infectious disease of childhood, caused by the interaction of bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans, and sugary foods on tooth enamel (2). ECC is a serious public health problem in both developing and industrialized countries. Children experiencing caries as infants or toddlers have a much greater probability of subsequent caries in both the primary and permanent dentitions. Its consequences can affect the immediate and long-term quality of life.
27 January 2014
According to a new study from the United Kingdom, adequate blood vitamin D concentrations of mothers during pregnancy may increase muscle strength in their children.
1 March 2013
Vitamin K is the name given to a group of essential micronutrients: vitamin K1 (phylloqui-none), the best characterized form, is found mainly in green leafy vegetables, while vitamin K2 (menaqui-none-4, -7, -8 and -9) is found in small amounts in meat, cheese and fermented soy products and is also synthesized by the body’s own gut flora. Vitamin K3 (menadione) is a synthetically manufactured form, but may also occur during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract of vitamin K1 and K2. In practical terms, the two forms K1 and K2 are of greatest importance in human metabolism. The involvement of vitamin K1 in blood clotting and bone metabolism is well documented. It is likely that an adequate intake of vitamin K could also reduce the development of atherosclerosis and the incidence of brain function disorders. Depending on national health authority, the recommended daily intake of vitamin K for adults is between 60 and 120 micrograms.
22 May 2013
According to a new US study, calcium is important for building strong bones in children, but, except for those with very low intake, may not be more important than magnesium.
