In this study, women whose daily consumption of milk during pregnancy was 1 cup (250 ml) or less consumed less protein and vitamin D and gave birth to smaller babies than mothers who drank more milk. Milk and vitamin D intakes during pregnancy were found to be each associated with infant birth weights, independently of other risk factors.

In a related commentary, Hollis and Wagner note that this study makes a very intriguing and important observation in relation to vitamin D. They believe that vitamin D may not only affect fetal skeletal formation, but also neurodevelopment, immune function and chronic disease susceptibility later in life.

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Contact: Dr. Kristine Koski
kristine.koski@mcgill.ca
Canadian Medical Association Journal
24-Apr-2006