Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that you can get from several types of food or supplements. Unlike other types of vitamins, vitamin D can be produced in the body when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”.
Overall, vitamin D plays a role in increasing the absorption of calcium and phosphate, so it can help maintain healthy bones and teeth. The vitamin also plays a role in maintaining the immune system, brain and nervous system. Of course, vitamin D deficiency can certainly hurt the body. Brittle bones and higher risks of other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, to cancer are some of the problems that may occur due to vitamin D deficiency. Not only that, for pregnant women, vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can also have a negative impact on her child's health.
According to the results of a recent study conducted by the University of Turku and Columbia University Medical Center, it was found that vitamin D deficiency during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy can increase the risk of mental disorders (ADHD) in children. The risk increases significantly to 34% when compared to children born to mothers who have sufficient vitamin D intake during pregnancy. This result was found after analysing 1,067 Finnish children born in 1998-1999.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a mental disorder characterised by hyperactive, impulsive behaviour, and difficulty to pay attention. The certain cause of ADHD is currently unknown. However, as with other diseases, genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors can contribute to ADHD.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images
Source(s):
- Suckdorff, M., Brown, U.S., Sourander, A., et al (2019). Maternal Vitamin D Levels and the Risk Off Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, DOI: 10.1016 / j.jaac.2019.11.021.
- Science Daily - Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy connected to elevated risk of ADHD (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200210104120.htm, 11 February 2020.
- National Institute of Mental Health - Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (2019). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml, 11 February 2020.