How vitamin D in pregnancy could offer a head start for better cognitive health

Vitamin D is an important nutrient in the body as it plays a large role in bone and muscle health, as well as immune system support. Past studies also show that vitamin D may help alleviate symptoms of depression , and could help lower the risk of certain chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes , multiple sclerosis , rheumatoid arthritis , cardiovascular disease , cognitive impairment , and dementia .

Now, a new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open has found that taking a high dose of vitamin D3 during pregnancy may help set the offspring up for better cognitive health by age 10. There are two types of vitamin D — vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 .

For this study, researchers focused on vitamin D3, which is either synthesized in the human body through sunlight exposure , or absorbed from certain foods like fatty fish , cod liver oil , egg yolks , and foods fortified with vitamin D .