Landmark Vitamin Discovery Could Prevent Miscarriages And Birth Defects
A simple vitamin supplement could have the potential to prevent
miscarriages and birth defects, according to a 12-year study by
scientists.
Researchers have identified a deficiency in a developmental molecule called NAD that can keep a baby's organs from forming properly in the womb – but the shortfall could be addressed by pregnant women taking Vitamin B 3, which may prevent a range of birth defects.
It's the first time that NAD (aka nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide) has been linked to congenital abnormalities, identifying a previously unknown cause of birth defects – along with the supplement that might treat the problem.
"The ramifications are likely to be huge," says developmental geneticist.
"This has the potential to significantly reduce the number of miscarriages and birth defects around the world, and I do not use those words lightly."
The team began their research back in 2005, when they came across the case of a baby with major defects in the heart, backbone, and ribs.
A genomic analysis revealed that both parents carried a mutation in a gene involved in the production of NAD – a vital molecule that contributes to energy production, DNA repair, and cell communication.
Several years later, the researchers found a similar mutation affecting NAD production in the family of another baby born with congenital problems.
That was our Eureka moment," the scientist told.
In all, the team examined genetic data from 14 families whose children bore congenital birth defects, and found the NAD mutations present in four of them.
To test possible treatment mechanisms, the team engineered mice with the same deficiency, using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique.
When female mice with the mutation gave birth, many of their pups died or were born with significant defects – but counterparts fed diets including B3 supplements gave birth to healthier offspring.
Diets with small amounts of vitamin B3 produced baby mice with fewer abnormalities, and feed rich in the supplement fostered a healthy litter of animals.
As far as a proof of concept goes, we've only seen this result in animals – and the principal deficiency has only been studied in four human families – so we shouldn't get too carried away with the findings just yet.
But it's a very promising start down a new avenue in developmental research, and one with the potential to produce life-changing results for thousands of families.
"Arguably, it's the most important discovery for pregnant women since folate," the scientist told in reference to the research that showed folic acid could reduce the incidence of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is usually found in meats and green vegetables, along with condiment.
But while many pregnant women take dietary supplements, research has shown that up to third of women have low levels of vitamin B3 during their pregnancy.
The team behind the new study hope that's something their findings can turn around, although the research is at too early a stage for scientists to recommend any kind of specific dosage.
"At the moment, the recommendation is to take a standard multivitamin, but we're all different and that will not prevent all women from having babies with birth defects,"
"We need to identify those women at risk and identify a safe level of niacin for them to take to prevent miscarriages and birth defects."
To that end, the researchers say the next step will be developing a diagnostic test akin to a pregnancy test, sampling either urine or blood, which could easily show which women could be low in NAD.
Nobody knows when this kind of check-up will become available, but we can't wait to see where this research leads – because it's something that could have a huge impact on the health and happiness of too many lives to count.
The findings were reported in a medical journal.
this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on. https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
Researchers have identified a deficiency in a developmental molecule called NAD that can keep a baby's organs from forming properly in the womb – but the shortfall could be addressed by pregnant women taking Vitamin B 3, which may prevent a range of birth defects.
It's the first time that NAD (aka nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide) has been linked to congenital abnormalities, identifying a previously unknown cause of birth defects – along with the supplement that might treat the problem.
"The ramifications are likely to be huge," says developmental geneticist.
"This has the potential to significantly reduce the number of miscarriages and birth defects around the world, and I do not use those words lightly."
The team began their research back in 2005, when they came across the case of a baby with major defects in the heart, backbone, and ribs.
A genomic analysis revealed that both parents carried a mutation in a gene involved in the production of NAD – a vital molecule that contributes to energy production, DNA repair, and cell communication.
Several years later, the researchers found a similar mutation affecting NAD production in the family of another baby born with congenital problems.
That was our Eureka moment," the scientist told.
In all, the team examined genetic data from 14 families whose children bore congenital birth defects, and found the NAD mutations present in four of them.
To test possible treatment mechanisms, the team engineered mice with the same deficiency, using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique.
When female mice with the mutation gave birth, many of their pups died or were born with significant defects – but counterparts fed diets including B3 supplements gave birth to healthier offspring.
Diets with small amounts of vitamin B3 produced baby mice with fewer abnormalities, and feed rich in the supplement fostered a healthy litter of animals.
As far as a proof of concept goes, we've only seen this result in animals – and the principal deficiency has only been studied in four human families – so we shouldn't get too carried away with the findings just yet.
But it's a very promising start down a new avenue in developmental research, and one with the potential to produce life-changing results for thousands of families.
"Arguably, it's the most important discovery for pregnant women since folate," the scientist told in reference to the research that showed folic acid could reduce the incidence of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is usually found in meats and green vegetables, along with condiment.
But while many pregnant women take dietary supplements, research has shown that up to third of women have low levels of vitamin B3 during their pregnancy.
The team behind the new study hope that's something their findings can turn around, although the research is at too early a stage for scientists to recommend any kind of specific dosage.
"At the moment, the recommendation is to take a standard multivitamin, but we're all different and that will not prevent all women from having babies with birth defects,"
"We need to identify those women at risk and identify a safe level of niacin for them to take to prevent miscarriages and birth defects."
To that end, the researchers say the next step will be developing a diagnostic test akin to a pregnancy test, sampling either urine or blood, which could easily show which women could be low in NAD.
Nobody knows when this kind of check-up will become available, but we can't wait to see where this research leads – because it's something that could have a huge impact on the health and happiness of too many lives to count.
The findings were reported in a medical journal.
this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on. https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
Labels: congenital anomalies, DNA repair, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), prevent miscarriage, Vitamin B 3
posted by G S Iyer at 11:52 PM
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