Vitamin B12 during pregnancy can lead to quieter babies

Scientists have shown that women with high levels of Vitamin B12 at the beginning of pregnancy are 3 times more likely to have quiet contented infants.

By boosting their intake of the vitamin found in steak, eggs and chicken, women can reduce their chances of having a ‘colicky’ baby whilst women with low intakes are for more likely to have babies that cry for up to 3 hours a day.

Doctors say this study undertaken by Dutch scientists and reported in the Early Human Development journal, is the first to show a link between colic and a mother’s nutrition – but stress it is too early to recommend that pregnant women change their diets.

The research looked at levels of Vitamin B12 in the blood of more than 4,000 women during the 12th week of pregnancy. When questioned 3 months after the birth around 5% of the women who had the lowest Vitamin B12 intake complained that their babies cried excessively compared to only 1% of the women with the highest levels.

Found in red meat, chicken, dairy products and fortified breakfast cereals, along with liver and shellfish – two foods that pregnant women are specifically advised to avoid, Vitamin B12 is known to play a key role in the development of the brain and nervous system in unborn babies and is also essential for healthy blood.

Researchers believe a lack of vitamin B12 may affect the development of nerve cells in the brain, increasing irritability in babies. It could also interrupt the natural sleep cycle of infants, because low levels prevent the release of the sleep hormone melatonin.