Could this medical breakthrough really prevent miscarriages and birth defects?

Vitamin B3 has just been confirmed as a preventative supplement against miscarriages and birth defects

Taking over headlines today is the medical breakthrough that has found a link between the causes of miscarriages and birth defects with low levels of a molecule called NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

According to scientists at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, having low levels of this molecule is the biggest cause of embryos having any issues forming their organs in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Senior researcher Prof Sally Dunwoodie said: 'The ramifications are likely to be huge. This has the potential to significantly reduce the number of miscarriage and birth defects around the world, and I do not use those words lightly.'

Considering that one in four women, on average, will suffer at least one miscarriage in their life, it's time we talk about miscarriage right now.

As NAD is essential for the development and repair of genes, medical journals are suggesting that taking vitamin B3 leading up to and during your pregnancy will be an efficient preventative measure of counteracting any deficiency.

Of course, they're not saying that by boosting your niacin levels that all defects or miscarriages will be prevented but that there is a link. The study is now looking into the 'optimal and safe levels of niacin that women should take.'