Proper Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy May Shield Infants From RSV By: Amy Wermuth I was watching CNN yesterday and this story definitely caught my attention. So I investigated this topic. A new study in Pediatrics, a journal, reveals that infants who are lacking in vitamin D at birth are at an alarming 6 times higher risk for getting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the first 12 months of life. RSV typically causes mild cold symptoms in adults and older children. Conversely, it can cause severe problems in infants, such as pneumonia and severe breathing problems. In extraordinary cases it can even lead to death. According to statistics, premature infants and babies with other health problems have the highest risk. An older child with RSV may suffer a fever, nasal congestion, and other cold symptoms. RSV is contagious and can easily be spread from person to person by use of infected surfaces (such as toys).  Currently, there is no vaccine for this virus. According to the new study, vitamin D ingestion during pregnancy will aid and most likely help to avoid an extremely frequent, severe disease during babyhood.   It is stated that in most cases almost all children get the virus by the time they reach age 2, but merely a few develop severe sickness. In the US each year, some where between 75,000 to 125,000 infants (under 12 months of age) are hospitalized annually due to RSV. Some get bronchiolitis (inflammation of small lung airways), while others suffer from pneumonia (inflammation of the actual lungs themselves). Of this statistical number, nearly 50% of these children leave the hospital with symptoms mocking asthma. The study was practiced in the Netherlands, and it is remarked that US women would most likely test the same. The study observed just over 150 newborns there. It found a strong connection between cord blood vitamin D levels and women taking vitamin D3 supplements all through their pregnancy. About 50% of the newborns had low vitamin D levels, and 18 of those developed RSV before their first birthday. Now, only 46 percent of these women taking part in the study stated that they took vitamin D supplements during pregnancy. Currently, research is underway (including trials) to determine (based on this new showing) the proper amounts of vitamin D women will become advised to take. Understand however that prenatal vitamins contain vitamin D, but because of this new study, the amounts may become increased. So, take your prenatal vitamins and be sure they are of the highest quality and contain high amounts of vitamin D. Be on the lookout for recommended dosages to change, as of yet, they have not. Worth mentioning to this vitamin blog’s readers: This study took into thought the seasons in which the women were pregnant. Researchers also looked at giving the babies vitamin D supplements after birth. Neither situation had any effect on the conclusion. Other compelling vitamin news articles and blog entries: January 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Best Supplements for a Healthy Heart Natural Skin Care by Xtend Life December 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog The Best Natural Nutrients for Pain Relief November 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog How we eat is just as important as what we eat October 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Breast Cancer and Vitamins - what do the studies indicate? July 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Study shows vitamin D to aid in muscle and joint pain experienced by breast cancer patients June 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Vitamin D Shows Increased Immune Response May 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Vitamin D Levels Impact Infant RSV April 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog New Study Shows Promise in Fight Against Youth Fatty Liver Disease March 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Vitamin B Linked to Reduction of PMS Symptoms February 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Pecans Contribute to Heart Health and Disease Prevention January 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Vitamin Supplemented Drinks - Are They As Healthy As We Think? December 2010 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency Debated November 2010 BestMultiVitamins.net Vitamin Blog New Study Reports Vitamin B3 Breakthrough for curing Fungal Infections Gearing Up for  a Healthy Holiday 2010 Season October 2010 BestMultiVitamins.net Vitamin Blog The Importance of Vitamins for Women