Scientists from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) recently suggested raising the recommended daily intakes (RDI) of vitamin D from 200 International Units (IU) to 2,000 IU. This may push policy makers to review current guidelines for the vitamin. Such increases could also open opportunities for food fortification and supplements. In the US milk and some orange juices and ready to eat cereals are fortified.
Why the increase?
This attention to vitamin D comes from a new study showing that supplementing the diet of pregnant women with vitamin D may enhance the placental innate immunity and protect it from infection. The prevention of uterine infection is critical for fetal development and term delivery. The innate immune system is one component of the uterine environment and helps prevent uterine infection. Researchers from UCLA report that when cells involved in developing a major part of the placenta were exposed to active forms of vitamin D, production of an antimicrobial protein was stimulated. The study also suggests that increased dietary supplementation of vitamin D during pregnancy may be active in placental innate immune responses during pregnancy.
-Community Assistant
Why the increase?
This attention to vitamin D comes from a new study showing that supplementing the diet of pregnant women with vitamin D may enhance the placental innate immunity and protect it from infection. The prevention of uterine infection is critical for fetal development and term delivery. The innate immune system is one component of the uterine environment and helps prevent uterine infection. Researchers from UCLA report that when cells involved in developing a major part of the placenta were exposed to active forms of vitamin D, production of an antimicrobial protein was stimulated. The study also suggests that increased dietary supplementation of vitamin D during pregnancy may be active in placental innate immune responses during pregnancy.
-Community Assistant
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