Study: Low Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy Linked to Tooth Cavities in Toddlers

22 Apr 2014 --- Children born from women who have low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing tooth cavities as toddlers, according to a study published in the American journal, Pediatrics.

Studies in the past have already shown that vitamin D deficiency among mothers can lead to defects in the enamel of their toddlers’ teeth, but this is the first study to also make the link between low vitamin D levels and higher cavity rates.

As part of the study, which was carried out by the University of Manitoba’s dental school in Winnipeg, Canada, researchers measured vitamin D levels in the second or early third trimester in more than 200 pregnant women. They then examined the teeth of 135 of their children when they were an average of 16 months old.

Out of the 200 women, vitamin D levels were mostly in the normal range but about a third had very low levels. Women were recruited from a predominantly poor, urban area.

The results of the examinations showed that 23 to 36% of the toddlers had cavities and of those that did show cavities, the mother’s had significantly lower prenatal vitamin D levels, compared to the mothers of the toddlers who did not have cavities.

To conclude the study the researchers recommended daily vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and then infancy.

“Our interventions ceased at age six months, therefore we cannot comment on the vitamin dose required during later infancy,” the report’s authors stated. “With increasing intake of infant formula, dietary intake of vitamin D is likely to increase and, hence, requirement for vitamin D supplementation may be less critical than earlier in infancy.”