Language difficulties linked to maternal Vitamin D deficiency 1260x542
19 Jul 2012

Language difficulties linked to maternal vitamin D deficiency

2 mins to read
A growing number of people are not getting enough of the so-called sunshine vitamin, and if new research is proven correct, the health consequences – for pregnant women in particular, may be far reaching. Tanya Ryan-Segger investigates.


The West Australian-based Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (TICHR) investigated the vitamin D levels of 743 pregnant females and then, at regular intervals, tested the behavioural development of their offspring from the ages of two to 17 years and language development at 5 and 10 years.

Although no association was found between behavioural or emotional problems and maternal Vitamin D levels, the children whose mothers had a deficiency of the vitamin during pregnancy were more likely to suffer language difficulties than those whose mothers did not.

In fact the study, the largest of it’s kind, recently published in the international journal, Pediatrics, found that the offspring of mothers with low levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy, were twice as likely to suffer significant language impairments.

Speech pathologist and mother of two young children, Joanne Blackbourn says the initial findings prompt discussion and, along with the study’s authors, calls for more research into the subject.

Joanne, who operates a private practice on Sydney’s northern beaches, explains the stakes of developmental language disorders are high, as such conditions can negatively affect many areas of a child’s life.

“A child with a language disorder may have limited vocabulary, or difficulty in understanding instructions or expressing themselves clearly, leading to poor interaction skills,” she says.

“In addition, as oral language skills underpin literacy development, children with language disorders are often at a much higher risk of experiencing reading and writing difficulties.”

So although any link between low vitamin D levels during pregnancy and resulting language skills in offspring is still some way off, it’s worth pondering – particularly if you are expecting.

Revisiting undisputed sources of information on Vitamin D deficiency might be a good starting point, along of course with consulting a doctor or registered health professional to discuss any concerns you may have about your health and vitamin levels.

What we do know
Vitamin D is vital to maintaining muscle and bone strength. It’s particularly important that pregnant women get enough vitamin D as it can affect the development of a baby’s bones and, in cases of severe deficiency, lead to a bone condition called rickets.

Who is most at risk for Vitamin D deficiency?

  • People with dark skin (due to the increased amount of sun exposure required)
  • Individuals who cover their skin for cultural or religious reasons
  • Breastfed babies of mothers deficient in vitamin D
  • People with little or no sun exposure
  • People with conditions or taking medication that may affect vitamin D metabolism

How can low levels of Vitamin D be averted?

  • Opt for more “safe” sunshine exposure by avoiding peak UV radiation times in your local area (these times differ throughout Australia and NZ so check first) but still gain regular exposure to sunlight.
  • And, for pregnant and breastfeeding women, check that your pregnancy multivitamins contains vitamin D.
Did you know? The benefits of sufficient levels of vitamin D include strong bones and muscles along with overall wellbeing.

References available on request



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