24 October 2011
According to a new US study, vitamin D supplementation of 4000 IU /day for pregnant women is safe and most effective in achieving sufficient levels in women and their newborns.
In the randomized controlled trial, 494 women with a singleton pregnancy were assigned to receive 400, 2000, or 4000 IU of vitamin D3 per day at 12 to 16 weeks' gestation until delivery (1). Blood samples were taken to measure the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in the mothers and the newborn at delivery. The study results showed that the mean 25(OH)D concentrations in the groups were significantly different at delivery and one month before delivery, with the highest levels in the 4000 IU group. No adverse events were attributed to vitamin D supplementation or circulating 25(OH)D levels.
The researchers concluded that vitamin D supplementation of 4000 IU /day for pregnant women is safe and most effective in achieving sufficient levels in all women and their neonates, regardless of race. However, the current estimated average requirement of 600 IU/day during pregnancy is comparatively ineffective, especially in African Americans, in achieving adequate circulating 25(OH)D concentrations of 80 nmol/L or greater.
11 November 2010
A new review has come to the conclusion that a sufficient intake of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids is indispensible for the maintenance of eye health.
1 October 2011
Embryonic and fetal development, as well as the early life of a newborn, are periods of physiological plasticity during which environmental influences may produce long-term effects. Both undernutrition and overnutrition during these periods have been shown to change disease risk in adulthood. These effects are influenced by the type, timing and duration of inappropriate nutrition.
30 March 2016
As part of the national survey on food consumption in France (1), 1,171 adults recorded their food consumption over seven days. Researchers analyzed the results of the study using a statistical method to assess individual food preferences, individual dietary patterns and restrictions imposed by food intolerances (2). They determined the percentage of people who could be provided with 30 essential nutrients by modifying their food intake.
