New study links high levels of B-12 in healthy food during pregnancy with less colicky babies
Steak might be the last thing in the world you can think of eating right now, if you happen to be a newly-pregnant mom-to-be, particularly if you’re in the beginning stages of morning sickness. But a study published by Early Human Development proves that eating a healthy diet during your pregnancy which included foods high in vitamin B-12 will guarantee a happy, less colicky baby who cries less.
In this study on prenatal health and B-12 in pregnancy, 3,000 pregnant women were examined.
- Each participant submitted to blood testing during the initial prenatal check-up at three months, which included measuring the levels of vitamin B-12 in their blood.
- Following childbirth, each subject kept a log of how often her baby cried, and for how long.
- Scientists notes that the new moms who had particularly low levels of B-12 in pregnancy were eight times more likely to have babies who cried excessively and were difficult to placate than the pregnant moms who had high levels of B-12.
- 5% of moms who exhibited B-12 deficiency symptoms gave birth to colicky babies, where only about 1% of moms who had sufficient levels of vitamin B-12 had babies who tended to cry a lot.
Scientists say,“This study provides first evidence for an early nutritional origin in infant crying behavior.”
- Healthy nutrition during pregnancy is key to having a happy baby; eat foods during pregnancy which are rich in vitamin B-12.
- Extensive research has been done linking vitamin B-12 with healthy brain functioning, neurological development and production of red blood cells.
- A high correlation exists between B-12 deficiency and autistic children. Other symptoms of B-12 deficiency may include short term memory loss, chronic fatigue, difficulty sleeping, numbness in hands and pernicious anemia.
- Good sources of B-12 include all meat, fish, dairy and egg products, particularly shellfish, liver and lean cuts of beef.
Certain factors may interfere with one’s ability to utilize vitamin B-12 naturally.
- Pregnant women on vegetarian diets must take vitamin B-12 supplements in order to make up for its exclusion in their diets.
- Any persons taking antacids or other heartburn medication must also take B-12 in order to avoid deficiency, as these medications interfere with B-12 absorption.
- Other people at risk include gastric bypass patients, individuals with autoimmune disorders or malabsorption syndromes.
Sources:
Daily Mail, Inhabitots, Dallas News, Wellsphere, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ayushveda, Early Human Development
Photo Credits:
Pregnant Woman- Morguefile.com, Steak- Morguefile.com