Prenatal Micronutrient Supplements Help Protect Enamel in Children’s Primary Teeth: Study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2025-12-11T20:15:41+05:30 | Updated On 11 Dec 2025 8:16 PM IST

According to a new research maternal micronutrient supplementation was associated with better preservation of enamel structure in primary teeth, suggesting stronger resistance to mineral loss during natural dental wear. This preliminary study underscores the importance of prenatal multivitamin supplementation as a useful strategy in preventive dentistry.

This work aimed to investigate the impact of folic acid or multivitamin containing folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on morphology and mineral content of enamel structure in deciduous teeth. 54 exfoliating deciduous upper central incisors were extracted from children between the ages of 6 and 8. Teeth were divided according to the maternal use of micronutrients into three groups (n = 18), group I: no use; group II: folic acid; and group III: multivitamin containing folic acid. Specimens’ ultrastructure was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Elemental analysis was done using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), then statistical evaluation was conducted.

Results: SEM analysis revealed a uniform enamel surface morphology, indicating a level of resistance to normal physiological enamel wear in groups II and III in contrast to group I. These findings were affirmed by EDX assessment where enamel surface revealed statistically significant higher values for calcium, and phosphorus in groups II and III relative to group I. Additionally, carbon content revealed statistically significant higher values in group I than those of groups II and III, suggesting more susceptibility of hydroxyapatite crystals to dissolution in group Ι.

Maternal micronutrients supplementation was linked with the preservation of enamel structure in primary teeth. This indicates enhanced enamel resistance to mineral loss during normal physiological dental wear. The findings of this preliminary study highlighted the importance of prenatal multivitamin supplementation as a strategy in preventive dentistry.

Reference:

AbuBakr, N., Farag, D.B., El-Saeed, M.A. et al. The effect of folic acid or multivitamin containing folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on enamel structure of deciduous teeth: an ultrastructural and microanalytical study. Head Face Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13005-025-00564-z

Keywords:

Prenatal, Micronutrient, Supplements, Help, Protect, Enamel, Children’s, Primary, Teeth, AbuBakr, N., Farag, D.B., El-Saeed, M.A, Head Face Med, Pregnancy, Folic acid, Micronutrients, Dental enamel, Preventive dentistry, Deciduous tooth

PrenatalMicronutrientSupplementsHelpProtectEnamelChildren’sPrimaryTeethAbuBakrN.FaragD.B.El-SaeedM.AHead Face MedPregnancyFolic acidMicronutrientsDental enamelPreventive dentistryDeciduous tooth

Source : Head & Face Medicine

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.