London, (March 8) Getting adequate sunshine could help protect your unborn baby from diabetes and thyroid problems, suggests a study, also cautioning that too much of it could be harmful.

The body gets Vitamin D from sunlight, which can cut the risk of the child developing diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.

The study by Dr Chantal Mathieu of the University of Leuven, Belgium, and other researchers found that low levels of the vitamin could be linked to the development of autoimmune disorders such as diabetes and thyroid diseases.

As people often lack sufficient vitamin D, experts advise expectant mothers to ensure regular but sensible sun exposure or the right diet.

The vitamin is also found in salmon, tuna and other oily fish, and is added to milk. It is available in supplements too.

“Pregnant mothers are particularly liable to develop vitamin D deficiency, and so they are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases,” Mathieu said.

She said there are two key ways for women to ensure they and their babies are getting enough vitamin D. “You can make sure that you get an adequate amount of sunshine - bearing in mind that this has to be done sensibly, because too much sunshine can cause problems such as skin cancer… Or it might be easier simply to take vitamin supplements during pregnancy.”

Mathieu disclosed the finding of the study at the British Endocrine Societies meeting held recently in Birmingham.(IANS)