Sunlight during pregnancy boosts baby’s brain!

The benefits of vitamin D for our body are well known. A recent study reveals that the level of vitamin D in a pregnant woman's body can determine how well her unborn child’s intelligence will develop.
 

It’s widely known that sunlight is the most significant natural source of vitamin D. That’s why it’s essential for pregnant women to get adequate sun exposure to help boost their unborn child’s IQ.
 

Melissa Melough, the author of a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, highlighted that vitamin D deficiency is commonly observed among pregnant women. She noted that this deficiency is more prevalent in women with darker skin compared to those with lighter skin.
 

According to the article, melanin pigment found in higher amounts in darker-skinned individuals acts as a natural shield against harmful UV rays. However, this same pigment also reduces the skin’s ability to absorb UVB rays needed to synthesize vitamin D. As a result, people with darker skin tend to produce less vitamin D from sun exposure.
 

The study found that 46% of pregnant women were vitamin D deficient. It also revealed a link between low vitamin D levels in pregnant women and lower IQ levels in their children, especially when the deficiency occurs during pregnancy. Children aged 4 to 6 whose mothers had low vitamin D during pregnancy were more likely to have reduced cognitive scores. Therefore, researchers strongly recommend that pregnant women get adequate sun exposure.
 

In addition to sunlight, other sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, eggs, cow’s milk, mushrooms, and orange juice. If there are no underlying health conditions, pregnant women are encouraged to include these foods in their diet ideally with medical guidance.