Vitamin B Deficient Pregnant Moms May Increase Risk of Diabetes in Babies

Filed in archive Notable , Research on November 23, 2007

In a study conducted in female sheep, it has been found that babies whose mothers do not get enough essential B vitamins around the time of conception could be more at risk of type 2 diabetes.

A study of female sheep showed that reducing their intake of B12 and folate (a form of vitamin B9) before pregnancy produced major physical effects in their offspring.

At only two years of age, the sheep showed signs of insulin resistance and were 25 per cent fatter than normal with higher blood pressure.

Scientists say there is a greater chance of these sheep developing Type 2 diabetes and becoming obese, and they are more at risk of heart disease.

Essential for the synthesis of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system - Vitamin B12 - can be found in red meat, eggs and dairy products - of course, also available as supplements.

But then it would take awhile (more research work) before the above resultscan be replicated in human.

Findings appear in an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Source: Medical News Today