Vitamin K during pregnancy/ What impact does it have on children?

2026-02-18 08:43:00, Shëndeti CNA

A new study led by the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and the Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), in collaboration with ISGlobal, suggests that higher intake of vitamin K1 during pregnancy may be associated with better brain development in children.

The results have been published in the scientific journal Pediatric Research, marking the first study to analyze in detail the link between vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and early neurodevelopment.

Study of over 1,000 mothers

The research was carried out as part of the Barcelona Life Study Cohort (BiSC) project and involved 1,080 pregnant women and their children. Through a detailed questionnaire with 114 food items, the researchers assessed the intake of vitamin K1 from the diet during pregnancy.

The children were then followed into early childhood and tested for cognitive skills, motor development, communication, and social behavior.

Promising results

According to the analysis, children of mothers who had higher vitamin K1 intake:

-achieved better results in overall development,

-showed better cognitive abilities,

-had more advanced physical and motor development,

-showed better communication and expressive language skills.

The researchers emphasize that this is an observational study, meaning it reveals an association but does not prove direct causation. However, the findings pave the way for further research and a possible revision of nutritional recommendations for pregnant women in the future.

Where is vitamin K1 found?

Vitamin K1 is the plant form of vitamin K and is found mainly in green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils.

Common sources are spinach, kale, broccoli, lettuce, and olive oil.

Until now, vitamin K was known mainly for its role in blood clotting, but it is increasingly being studied for its role in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic processes, which are essential during fetal brain development.

No immediate changes to guidelines

The authors emphasize that taking supplements without medical advice is not recommended. However, they suggest that a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, as part of a balanced diet, may have important benefits for a child's early development.

The study adds a new element to the debate over the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and its potential to influence the mental and cognitive health of future generations./ CNA