29 January 2014
A new study from Amman, Jordan, reports that most newborns in the region are severely deficient in vitamin D.
The prospective cohort study measured the vitamin D concentrations in blood samples of 3731 newborns within 96 hours of birth (1). The study results showed that 94% of the newborns were vitamin D deficient (below 50 nmol/L) with a median vitamin D level of only 8.6 nmol/L. Lower gestational age, maternal smoke exposure, and birth during winter months were associated with lower infant vitamin D levels, while vitamin D supplementation and time spent outside during pregnancy were associated with higher vitamin D levels.
The researchers concluded that the prevalence of severely low vitamin D levels in newborn infants in Jordan is substantial, even in newborns born during the spring and summer months. They said vitamin D supple- mentation is needed in this population. Vitamin D deficiency is well recognized in many Middle Eastern countries.
25 February 2015
A new national survey reports that in the average population the use of supplements does not take them over the tolerable upper intake limits of minerals and trace elements.
30 July 2019
Vitamin K consists of a group of vitamins that support blood clotting, bone metabolism and also help to regulate blood calcium levels. What may not be so obvious about vitamin K is its ability to maintain a person’s mobility.
15 July 2015
Helena Pachon is Research Associate Professor at the Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, USA. Her team has been involved in a systematic assessment regarding the effectiveness of the fortification of flour to prevent anemia. They found that each year of flour fortification was associated with a 2.4% reduction in the prevalence of anemia. There was no reduction in those countries that did not fortify.
