Effect of Vitamin B on Baby's Later Weight/Health

A new study written up in the journal Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences says that babies whose mothers do not get enough
essential B vitamins around the time of conception may grow up to be
obese and suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes.

Using research in a study of female sheep, researchers showed that
reducing their intake of B12 and folate prior to pregnancy produced
major physical effects in the female sheep's future offspring. At two
years old the young sheep were 25% fatter than normal, had
significantly raised blood pressure, and already showed signs of
insulin resistance.

Male offspring were far more affected than females. At that age the
young sheep were the equivalent of 20 to 30 years old in human terms.
They are now being monitored to see how they progress. Scientists are
forecasting, based on these early results, that there is a good chance
of them becoming obese, prone to heart disease, and afflicted by Type
2 diabetes.

It is believed that the same pattern might occur in humans, but is
masked as people grow older because of the effects of diet and
lifestyle.

Women are already advised to watch their intake of folate up to three
months before pregnancy. Low folate consumption is associated with
neural tube defects such as spina bifida in unborn babies. The
addition of Vitamin B12 is known to be important for the synthesis of
red blood cells, the maintenance of a healthy nervous system, and
healthy fetal development. It can be found in red meat, eggs and dairy
products, but is absent from most plant foods.

Study leader Dr Kevin Sinclair, from the University of Nottingham,
said: "The message here is that women who intend to get pregnant
should ensure they have a balanced diet. For folate, they should make
sure they get enough green leafy vegetables. They should also eat
moderate amounts of red meat, which is the best source of vitamin
B12." Obviously, vegetarians will have a problem with that suggestion,
and alternatives would include vitamin supplementation.

Dave

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