‘Breakthrough’ shows a common vitamin could be the key to preventing birth defects and miscarriages
The ‘double breakthrough’ study has discovered the problem and provided a solution at the same time.
Taking extra doses of a dietary supplement during pregnancy could help protect against common birth defects and even miscarriages, new research has found.
The finding from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, in Australia, is being called a “breakthrough” in pregnancy research.
Boosting levels of vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, during pregnancy would address a deficiency which can prevent a baby’s organs from developing correctly in the womb.
The molecular deficiency hinders NAD – a molecule which is essential for energy production, DNA repair and cell communication. During pregnancy it can cripple an embryo when it is forming.
It can lead to miscarriages as well as heart, spinal, kidney and cleft palate problems in newborns.
“The ramifications are likely to be huge. This has the potential to significantly reduce the number of miscarriages and birth defects around the world, and I do not use those words lightly.”
Vitamin B3 is found in meats and green vegetables as well as supplements – but levels remain low in a third of pregnant women during their first trimester, according to other research.
Professor Robert Graham, executive director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said: “This will change the way pregnant women are cared for around the world.
“We believe that this breakthrough will be one of our country’s greatest medical discoveries. It’s extremely rare to discover the problem and provide a preventive solution at the same time. It’s actually a double breakthrough.”
The next step will be to develop a diagnostic test to measure NAD levels. This will enable doctors to identify those women who are at greatest risk of having a baby with a birth defect, and ensure they are getting sufficient vitamin B3.
Details have been included in the New England Journal Of Medicine.
