Vitamin D can prevent RSV, new study says

Published: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 3:14 p.m. MDT
PRINT | FONT + - 

RIVERTON — Pregnant women who take vitamin D can prevent a respiratory illness in newborns called RSV, according to a new study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The study suggests that out of the 5 million RSV cases every year in the United States, a million fewer children would get the respiratory virus if more pregnant moms took vitamin D supplements.

Mikensi Gilbert is six months pregnant and has been taking vitamin D supplements for this pregnancy. "It helps with fatigue. It helps with energy," she said.

Gilbert's first pregnancy was tough, so her mom, who reads a lot of medical studies, recommended she boost her vitamin D intake. "She knows that I had a difficult time with Jae with my pregnancy. I think she was just thinking of me," she said.

Gilbert had gestational diabetes, but this time she's expecting a smoother pregnancy. "I just had our ultrasound report read to me yesterday and everything's good. He's healthy. He's growing like he should," she said.

She hopes the vitamin D will also keep her baby from getting RSV once he's born.

"Vitamin D plays a large role in very many systems of the body," said Dr. Marcus Blackburn, a pediatrician at Riverton Hospital

As for how effective Vitamin D is in preventing RSV, Blackburn said it's hard to say.

"RSV is very common," he said. "Most children are going to get it by the time they're 2. All kids have been exposed to it." The symptoms mimic a cold, and Blackburn said taking vitamin D may just reduce the severity of RSV in infants. While the supplement is not the cure-all for respiratory and other health problems, doctors say it's still very important for overall health.

"Right now in this study they quote it as 400 international units — so the same as for a newborn child. Although, there have been studies that have shown up to 4,000 international units," Blackburn said.

"Vitamin D is something that you can have toxicity from," he continued, "so that's something that we're still working out."

Blackburn recommends all pregnant women check with their doctor on how much vitamin D to take along with other prenatal vitamins.

Email: niyamba@desnews.com

View Comments

DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.

– About Comments

rss icon

Recommended in Utah

Story

The Utah Transit Authority's decision to not hedge, or lock in, fuel prices may cost the agency an additional $3.6 million this year, forcing fares to rise as diesel prices jump.

Story

Not everyone is unhappy with the unseasonably cold weather. Snowbird got some big crowds Memorial Day and some very unusual late ski season conditions that many say were more like what they would have expected a couple of months ago.

Story

When change is offered up in an organization, people don't rush over — dinner plate in hand — to partake. No, the normal reaction is to stand still, to be gripped with fear. To most employees, change sounds the alarm of potential or impending loss.

Advertisement

Keep an eye on Utah's rising rivers with the flood tracker at ksl.com

Coverage of the General Session of the 59th Legislature, Jan. 24-March 10.

Celebrating the good, the bad and the ridiculous moments of motherhood

Advertisement