Warning over insufficient vitamin D intake in pregnancy

Irish pregnant women have vitamin D intakes far below those recommended for the normal development of a baby's bones.

Research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that the average dietary intake of vitamin D among pregnant women here is 80% below the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's recommendations.

Vitamin D insufficiencies during pregnancy can cause reduced bone growth in babies before birth and lead to poor bone development in early childhood while a severe deficiency during pregnancy can cause childhood rickets.

Scientists believe vitamin D supplements should be considered for pregnant women across the EU whose diets are deficient in vitamin D rich foods.