Niacin could reduce miscarriages and birth defects

Taking a common vitamin supplement could significantly reduce the number of miscarriages and birth defects worldwide, scientists reveal.

Vitamin B3, known as niacin, helps to correct a nutrient deficiency that can stop babies' organs developing correctly, a study found in what is described as a major breakthrough in pregnancy research.

Study author Professor Sally Dunwoodie from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in New South Wales, Australia, said: 'Now, after 12 years of research, our team has also discovered that this deficiency can be cured and miscarriages and birth defects prevented by taking a common vitamin.

'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.'

Niacin is found in marmite, meat and vegetables.

More