Could Marmite prevent miscarriages and birth defects?

Scientists in Sydney have discovered the solution to a major pregnancy problem: that of miscarriage and birth defects.

Researchers found that vitamin B3 can cure molecular deficiencies that cause embryos and organs to develop defects in the womb.

Vitamin B3 – also known as niacin – is a common vitamin supplement given to pregnant women. It is found in meat and vegetables with Marmite being a great source.

A single serving of the love it, hate it spread contains a huge 36% of a person’s recommended daily allowance of vitamin B3. If you’re not a fan of Marmite, have no fear for turkey, chicken, peanuts and mushrooms also contain niacin.

Current statistics show that one in five pregnant women suffer from a miscarriage with 7.9 million children across the globe born with a birth defect.

The findings, which have been described as “one of the most significant discoveries in pregnancy research”, came about after a group of scientists looked into why some women suffer multiple miscarriages as well as what causes babies to be born with certain birth defects.

An experiment carried out on pregnant mice involved introducing vitamin B3 into the diet. After doing so, all offspring were born “perfectly healthy” with a complete absence of miscarriage and birth defects.

“The ramifications are likely to be huge,” Professor Sally Dunwoodie of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute told Sky. “This has the potential to significantly reduce the number of miscarriages and birth defects around the world, and I do not use these words lightly.”

Researchers say the next step is to come up with a test to identify which women are most at risk from having a baby with a birth defect in order to ensure they have enough vitamin B3 in their diet.

The institute’s executive director, Professor Robert Graham, finished with a strong statement: “We believe that this breakthrough will be one of Australia’s greatest medical discoveries. It’s extremely rare to discover the problem and provide a preventive solution at the same time. It’s actually a double breakthrough.”

If you have been affected by miscarriage, head to the Miscarriage Association for advice.

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