Miscarriages and Birth Defects in pregnant women cause physical, social and emotional turmoil in women. The statistics are disturbing as 7.9 million children are born with birth defects annually in the world. One in four women has a miscarriage at least once in their lives. Now, with proper preparation, soon-to -be mothers can now be able to nip these two causes of untold suffering in the bud. This will be possible thanks to a new Study that could reduce miscarriages and birth defects.
A study conducted by the Victor Chang Institute in Sydney Australia found that the main cause of miscarriages, some multiple, and birth defects, is due to lack of Vitamin B3.
The absence or low levels of a molecule called NAD found in Vitamin B3 was found to be the main culprit in bad organ formation in unborn babies. This, in turn, leads to the fetus either being born with defects or a mum being unable to carry the pregnancy to term.
Vitamin B3.
Vitamin B3, or Niacin, is not stored in the body and has to be taken every day. It is a water soluble B Vitamin that is also responsible for making DNA and now helps in the formation of body organs in an unborn baby. In addition, Vitamin B3 is important in the digestive system, nervous system and skin.
Research conducted showed that a pregnant mum should start taking this vital Vitamin at the onset of her pregnancy.
The Vitamin then helps develop the fetus into a strong and healthy one, cutting the risk of miscarriages and birth defects significantly.
80% of birth defects and miscarriages in women can not be explained until this point, and researchers now believe they have found the missing link, which is Niacin deficiency.
Foods that contain Vitamin B3.
Niacin is found in most meats and vegetables and many of the multi-vitamin supplements used during pregnancy contain Niacin.
Natural VItamin B3 rich sources include cereals, meat, eggs, mushrooms, vegetables, nuts, and beans.
The Study's Senior Researcher Prof. Sally Dunwoodie of the Victor Chang Institute said that the ramifications of this find would affect millions of families globally. Especially those that have gone through multiple cases of birth defects and miscarriages.
By providing a readily available and affordable solution, Niacin is set to change many couples' fortunes of having healthy and full-term pregnancies.
Although research is still ongoing, Prof. Dunwoodie says the future looks bright as it is the first research to link the deficiency of Vitamin B3 to birth defects and miscarriages.
