Watch your Vitamin D during pregnancy

Q: Should I take vitamin D while I’m pregnant? Should I give a supplement to my 2-year-old? I hear conflicting reports on how necessary it is. — Claudia H., Mill Valley, California

A: Vitamin D deficiency is common in pregnant women, and if you have low levels, that translates to low vitamin D levels in your fetus and your newborn. Research shows that the deficiency may interfere with fetal development of bones, lungs and the immune system, and lead to a newborn with reduced growth and a greater chance of respiratory problems.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who are vegetarians, have limited sun exposure and are members of ethnic minorities, especially those with darker skin, are at greatest risk for D-ficiency.

As for whether you should take supplements or supplement your toddler, there are two new studies in the JAMA journal Pediatrics that are useful guides — but talk with your obstetrician and your toddler’s pediatrician before you decide what to do.

Q: My son recently sustained a concussion playing soccer when he banged heads with another player. I’m worried that although he seems fine he could have some lasting damage. How can we know it’s really OK? — Steven G., Rochester, New York

A: There’s a lot of new info on the repercussions of concussions and on how to treat them more responsibly. It focuses especially on kids and teens — they are most vulnerable — even though you hear a lot about players like Kevin Love, who was taken off the court in Game 6 of the Cavs-celtics NBA playoff game when he, like your son, suffered a concussion from banging heads with another player.

We don’t know how severe your son’s concussion was or the immediate symptoms, but we do know that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should he be allowed to return to doing sports until a health care professional experienced in evaluating concussions says he’s symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. That means no PE, no recreational activities and no team practices or games.

And follow up on his progress and evaluation. An alarming study in JAMA Open Network reveals that 56 percent of patients who end up in the emergency room for a concussion fail to see a doctor for a follow up within three months of the accident! So make sure you have your son follow up with his doctor.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.