A new study from the US suggests that pregnant women must increase their levels of Vitamin D to avoid health problems for themselves and their infant.

Results found that seven out of ten pregnant women were not getting enough of the vitamin which is not only essential for bone health but also a range of health benefits.

Researchers from the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine suggest that women trying to conceive should begin taking vitamin D supplements.

‘Prenatal vitamins do help raise vitamin D levels, but many women start taking them after becoming pregnant,’ wrote lead author of the study Dr Adit Ginde in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

‘Although research is ongoing, I think it’s best for women to start a few months before becoming pregnant to maximise the likely health benefits,’ she added.

Before conceiving, women are already advised to take 0.4mg of folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

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