Researchers from the University of Cambridge's Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit looked into the correlation of a baby's birth month to adult height, weight and onset of puberty.
The study covered approximately 450,000 adults in the United Kingdom (UK). The data were provided by the national health database, UK Biobank. Researchers found that the birth month's long-term effect on birth weight and puberty kickoff have significant effects on overall adult health, particularly among women.
Findings showed that summer babies were pudgier at birth but grew taller later in life. Summer babies also went through puberty a little later compared to winter babies.
"When you were conceived and born occurs largely 'at random' - it's not affected by social class, your parents' ages or their health - so looking for patterns with birth month is a powerful study design to identify influences of the environment before birth," said lead author Dr. John Perry. The findings were published in the journal Heliyon on Oct. 12, 2015.
The research team believes that the varying difference of Vitamin D the mother and baby receives following the birth date play a crucial role. They believe that this could explain the difference between summer and winter babies, however further research is need to prove the hypothesis.
A healthy birth weight range from 5.5 to 8.8 pounds. Babies born below 5.5 pounds are found to be more susceptible to infections during the first few months of life. These babies also carry higher risk of developing long-term problems like social development and delayed motor capabilities. Underweight people are also 70 percent more likely to have poor health in later life.
Perry explained they have yet to understand the mechanism at work but there is a pattern that interlocks birth months with puberty, height and weight. The researchers are hopeful that findings can be translated to further improve health benefits and lifestyle. The team encourages other researchers to look into the long-term effects of Vitamin D exposure on puberty kickoff and later life health.
Vitamin D is crucial for strong bone development. The vitamin is responsible for using calcium to produce strong bones and teeth. Deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to skeletal deformities and soft bones. Rickets, a Vitamin D deficiency, is common in children.
