Higher-Dose Prenatal Vitamin D Linked to Memory Scores

Overview

Higher-dose vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy was associated with higher verbal and visual memory scores among children at age 10 years. No statistically significant differences were observed in estimated intelligence or most other cognitive functions.

Background

Vitamin D insufficiency during pregnancy is common and may impact fetal development. This study examines the effects of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on cognitive outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Higher-dose vitamin D3 (2,800 IU/d) was associated with higher verbal memory scores (effect size 0.17 SD).
• Higher-dose vitamin D3 was associated with higher visual memory scores (effect size 0.24 SD).
• No significant differences were found in estimated intelligence or most cognitive functions between the two groups.
• Flexibility or set shift showed better performance in the higher-dose group before correction for multiple comparisons.
• Maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at 24 weeks' gestation were not associated with cognitive outcomes.
• Findings may not be generalizable due to the cohort's demographic and vitamin D sufficiency status.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that higher-dose vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy is associated with higher verbal and visual memory scores in children, but no significant effects on broader cognitive functions were observed.

Conclusion

This study indicates that higher-dose prenatal vitamin D3 may enhance specific memory scores in children, but the overall impact on cognitive function remains limited.

Related Resources & Content

1. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- High-Dose Vitamin D 3 Supplementation During Pregnancy and Test-Based Cognitive Performance at Age 10 Years: A
2. Endocrine Reviews -- Effects of Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation on Childhood Health
3. ACOG -- Vitamin D: Screening and Supplementation During Pregnancy
4. conexiant — Midlife Vitamin D Linked to Lower Tau
5. JAMA Network Open — Rethinking Vitamin D Biology in Development—From Thresholds to Trajectories
6. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy
7. Vitamin D - Health Professional Fact Sheet
8. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/109/8/1907/7685305
9. Vitamin D: Screening and Supplementation During Pregnancy | ACOG
10. Effect of High-Dose vs Standard-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy on Bone Mineralization in Offspring Until Age 6 Years: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial - PMC
11. High-Dose Vitamin D3 Supplementation During Pregnancy and Test-Based Cognitive Performance at Age 10 Years: A Post Hoc Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
12. High-Dose Vitamin D>3> Supplementation During Pregnancy and Test-Based Cognitive Performance at Age 10 Years: A Post Hoc Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial - University of Southern Denmark
13. Rethinking Vitamin D Biology in Development—From Thresholds to Trajectories
14. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and maternal and neonatal outcomes: results from a quantitative umbrella meta-analysis | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Springer Nature Link
15. Vitamin D Supplementation during Pregnancy: Double Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Safety and Effectiveness - PMC