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.
28 October 2011
High-dose vitamin D treatment of multiple sclerosis seems to not have any added benefit over low-dose vitamin D supplementation, suggests a new Australian study.
25 June 2014
A new study from Turkey reports that people with low blood vitamin D concentrations may have an increased risk of developing involuntary movements of the legs.
11 November 2013
A new US study reports that older women with invasive breast cancer who take multivitamin/mineral supplements long-term may be less likely to die from their cancers.
