What: An NIH-funded study found a positive link between higher vitamin D levels and infant length during the first trimester. Looking at blood samples from 351 first-time mothers, researchers found for every increase in vitamin D marker in the blood, the fetus had a higher “fetal length z-score.”

Key line: “’Testing for vitamin D status is not currently part of standard prenatal care in the United States. If you are pregnant, consider talking with your health care provider for advice at your first prenatal visit,’ said [Alison D. Gernand, Ph.D., of Pennsylvania State University]. ‘This study provides evidence that vitamin D early in pregnancy appears to be an important part of nutritional health.’”

Source: NIH