Vitamin D status during pregnancy and child neurocognitive functioning at 4 Years

Abstract

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent during pregnancy and may affect fetal brain development, leading to neurocognitive issues. This study investigated the association between vitamin D levels during pregnancy and children's neurocognitive functioning in 289 mother-child pairs, controlling for confounding variables.

Methods: Prenatal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured in the first and third trimesters, and offspring underwent a neurocognitive assessment at age 4 using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), subtests of the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment-II (NEPSY-II), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) completed by parents. Socio-demographic data, obstetric information, lifestyle habits, maternal emotional health, and parental intellectual performance were collected.

Results: The adjusted regression models have shown that insufficient 25(OH)D levels throughout pregnancy were associated with poorer Visual-Motor Precision of the NEPSY-II. In the third trimester, inadequate 25(OH)D levels were associated with poorer executive functioning, as indicated by neuropsychological and behavioural assessments. Specifically, lower scores were observed in Working Memory on the WPPSI-IV, as well as in the metacognitive index and Inhibition on the BRIEF-P.

Conclusion: Maintaining adequate prenatal 25(OH)D levels may promote optimal neurocognitive functioning in early childhood.

Impact: Inadequate maternal 25(OH)D concentrations throughout pregnancy are associated with lower Visual-Motor Precision in children, and third-trimester deficiency is linked to poorer executive functioning. This study highlights the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels throughout pregnancy. Findings support the implementation of public health strategies to ensure proper vitamin D intake and the monitoring of maternal serum 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy to promote adequate infant neurodevelopment.