Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine, has a long list of health benefits. Recent research at the University of Manitoba suggests that vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer and several autoimmune diseases. But its primary function is to promote the body’s absorption of calcium, which is essential to the development of healthy bones and teeth. And new findings show vitamin D to be equally important to a baby’s teeth, even before they are born.
Teeth begin to develop in the womb.
For their study, Canadian researchers at the University of Manitoba and in Victoria measured the vitamin D levels of 206 women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Dr. Robert Schroth, lead researcher, explained that the second trimester of pregnancy is when primary teeth begin to develop and calcify. They found only 21 (10.5%) of the women to have adequate levels of the vitamin. These levels were consistent with the women’s intake of milk and prenatal vitamins.
Researchers then examined the children born to the women in the study for dental health at about 16 months. They found 22% had enamel defects and 34% showed signs of tooth decay. Enamel defects during infancy significantly increase the likelihood of tooth decay developing during early childhood.
The mothers of the children with signs of early tooth decay did have significantly lower levels of vitamin D during pregnancy than the mothers of children who did not have cavities.
The study is thought to be the first to document a link between a mother’s vitamin D intake during pregnancy and her child’s dental health.
Source: University of Manitoba, Jul 28, 2008
