Winter babies more likely to suffer learning difficulties
BABIES conceived in winter months have a higher risk of developing learning disabilities, a study shows.
Scientists believe a lack of vitamin D in pregnant women could contribute to a range of problems in children including autism, intellectual difficulties and dyslexia.
The study of more than 800,000 pupils showed 8.9% of those conceived between January and March had learning disabilities compared to 7.6% of those between July and September.
One source of vitamin D is sunlight and Brits do not get enough of it in the winter months to produce the nutrient, which is proven to be important for brain development.
The study was carried out at Glasgow University in collaboration with Cambridge University, the NHS and Scottish Government.
Cambridge’s head of obstetrics and gynaecology, Prof Gordon Smith, said: “Although the current study did not directly measure vitamin D, it remains perhaps the most plausible explanation for the trend.
“Hence, these findings underline the importance of health professionals recommending vitamin D, and the importance of women complying with the treatment to optimise their chances of a healthy child.”
Prof Jill Pell, director of Glasgow’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, added: “It is important pregnant women take vitamin D supplements and start as early in pregnancy as possible or ideally while they are trying to get pregnant.”
The study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.