A new study published in this week’s Pediatrics finds that when moms have adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy, their babies score higher on developmental tests.

1,820 mother-infant pairs were studied, with median Vitamin D levels of 29.6 ng/mL. The results showed a positive linear relationship between mom’s vitamin D levels and the mental and psychomotor scores of their babies. Infants of mothers with Vitamin D levels above 30ng/mL tested the highest.

I prefer Vitamin D levels to be between 60-80 ng/mL – pregnancy or not. In a study I posted earlier this year, women with Vitamin D levels around 70 ng/mL had children with higher verbal skills. In addition to making our babies smarter, Vitamin D has been shown to prevent against heart disease, enhance our immune system, support our mood, balance hormones, and protect against a number of different types of cancers.

I generally recommend pregnant woman take 5000IU of Vitamin D3 everyday with a meal. I also monitor levels by testing 25(OH) Vitamin D levels every 3-months. To have adequate levels, some pregnant women  need more than 5000IU/day, while others may be able to achieve optimal levels with less. Most prenatal vitamins have just 400IU of Vitamin D3. Doctors should adjust Vitamin D dosage so that women reach their optimal level. If your doctor does not check for Vitamin D- request 25(OH) Vitamin D levels and aim for a level between 60-80 ng/mL.