Vitamin B3 found in Marmite not proven to prevent miscarriage

Conclusion This early-stage laboratory research has pinpointed two potential genes that might be responsible for some miscarriages and birth defects. As well as identifying a problem, the researchers also managed to find a solution: the effect of these genes can be combatted by increasing vitamin B3 intake. But treating a very specific and uncommon cause of birth defects in mice is certainly not a sure-fire solution to "significantly reduce the number of miscarriages and birth defects around the world". We need future research to see if the same effect would happen in humans. Also, three of the four children included in the study were the offspring of parents who were related by blood. This might mean that the type of genetic mutations studied in this research are more specific to the children of parents who are related. A vitamin B3 supplement might have less of an effect on other types of mutations, but we can't say at this stage. Overall, it seems like upping vitamin B3 intake in mothers who are deficient might have the potential to help prevent miscarriage and congenital malformations. Testing vitamin B3 levels in pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant to see if they're deficient would identify those who might benefit the most. And eating more foods like Marmite, meats like turkey and chicken, and vegetables like mushrooms and green peas could be one way to get more vitamin B3. Long-term high-dose vitamin B3 supplements should be avoided as this can ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Source Type: news