Vitamin D in Pregnancy Linked to Child's Cognitive Development: Study Finds - Video

A new study published by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort suggests that higher levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may lead to better cognitive performance in children aged 7 to 12. The findings, published in the American Journal of clinical nutrition, add to the growing body of research on prenatal nutrition, indicate that vitamin D may play a critical role in brain development—particularly early in pregnancy and especially among children born to Black mothers.

The researchers tracked vitamin D levels in pregnant women and later assessed their children’s cognitive performance, focusing on problem-solving and information processing. The children were evaluated using cognitive tests that measure executive functioning and working memory, but not language-based skills like vocabulary. The study found that while vocabulary scores did not appear linked to prenatal vitamin D levels, higher levels during early pregnancy correlated with better cognitive scores in other areas.

Importantly, the study highlighted a stronger association in children of Black mothers. This group is known to be at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency due to higher levels of melanin in the skin, which reduces the body’s ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. Researchers say this makes early intervention and supplementation even more crucial.

“Our study provides important new evidence that early pregnancy may be a critical period when vitamin D has the greatest potential to support cognitive development,” said Melissa M. Melough, PhD, RD of the University of Delaware. “This highlights a key opportunity for clinicians to enhance screening and support for vitamin D supplementation before and during pregnancy.”

Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common during pregnancy and has previously been associated with early brain development.

While the findings underscore the importance of vitamin D in pregnancy, researchers stress the need for further studies to determine the ideal dosage and timing of supplementation.

Reference: Melough, M. M., McGrath, M., Palmore, M., Collett, B. R., Kerver, J. M., Hockett, C. W., ... & Thompson, A. (2025). Gestational vitamin D concentration and child cognitive development: a longitudinal cohort study in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 122(2), 571-581.