Pregnant women know that there are many nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle habits that can affect their developing baby. A recent study reveals that low levels of maternal Vitamin D can lead to increased tooth decay in children. Early childhood caries (ECC) is distinguished as any tooth decay in infants or very young children; unfortunately, ECC is a common occurrence at this age.
Researchers measured the levels of Vitamin D in pregnant women during their second and third trimesters. After giving birth, the mothers returned with their children for the evaluation of their dental health. The results of the study revealed that mothers of children with ECC had significantly lower levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy.
Vitamin D levels and ECC appear to have an inverse relationship: the lower the levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy, then the greater number of decayed teeth in infants. This study seems to be the first to show the link between prenatal Vitamin D and early childhood caries, indicating the need to correct low maternal Vitamin D levels in order to aid in the prevention of ECC.
So how can you make sure that you're getting enough Vitamin D? Sunlight is the most common source of Vitamin D, and sun exposure of 15 minutes a day is considered adequate. If sufficient sunlight is not obtained, then dietary sources of Vitamin D can utilized. These include vitamin-fortified food sources such as milk, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals; fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna in oil, sardines in oil; cod liver oil, egg yolks, and liver.
