What aren’t vitamin supplements good for? After all, they provide the body with valuable nutrients while reducing the time and effort it takes to consume them. Certain vitamins are especially important for healthy growth and development, as indicated in a study recently published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.

Scientists at the Child and Family Research Institute at British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital determined that many expecting mothers had too little vitamin D in their systems, even though many took dietary supplements.

Based on a survey of more than 330 pregnant women, the team determined that nearly 80 percent had insufficient blood levels of the nutrient, compared to clinical recommendations for mothers-to-be.

Lead author Timothy Green said that pregnant women may consider taking more vitamin D each day, rather than expending effort on adding fortified foods to their diet.

“There are few good natural sources of vitamin D and fortified foods do not contain enough vitamin D on their own. That’s why research into supplements, how much pregnant women should be taking and how effective they are, is so important,” he concluded.