Introduction: Pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease-19, COVID-19, has been affecting not only peoples’ daily life, but also research activities. Contrarily, it is an urgent task to investigate the impact of COVID-19 itself and the pandemic situation on the further generations, and DOHaD-Japan should take priority on leading this research field. The aim of this study was to uncover how DOHaD research had been affected by COVID-19, and how it should face this pandemic. Methods: A real-time questionnaire, using the Zoom Polling option, was performed during the 31st DOHaD-Japan young investigator seminar (Terakoya). Results: Number of valid responses was 48(67%), comprising 72 participants. Among those, 46(96%) experienced some kind of restrictions on research activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 18(37%) were involved in COVID-19 related researches, and 40(80%) answered that the DOHaD-Japan should lead/support COVID-19 related research. Conclusion: We revealed how DOHaD research was affected, what it is facing, and where it should lead, under this pandemic. Most DOHaD researchers experienced research activity restrictions, however, some of those were already conducting COVID-19 related research in this field. Majority of the Japanese DOHaD researchers are wishing the society to lead/support COVID-19 related researches, thus further action is greatly anticipated.

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The COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become a pandemic, and there is an urgent need to establish efficient diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The potential adverse effects during pregnancy have been investigated. The published cases showed that pregnant women with COVID-19 were significantly at higher risk of ICU hospitalization, ventilator management, mortality, and preterm birth than non-pregnant women with COVID-19 infection of the same age group. Risk factors for aggravation of COVID-19 in pregnant women were 35 years or older, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Regarding the effects on the fetus and newborn, the possibility of vertical transmission cannot be ruled out. On the other hand, the risk of infection via breast milk is low and breastfeeding is recommended. It is essential to take measures to reduce the exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as to increase the resistance to infection by modulating immune systems in the human host. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, and previous studies have shown a significant correlation between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of respiratory infectious diseases. A significant correlation between COVID-19 morbidity/severity and low levels of vitamin D has also been reported. Cross-sectional studies showed that vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with morbidity, mortality, and the severity of COVID-19. Vitamin D is a regulator of the renin-angiotensin system and may reduce the severity of the disease by acting in an inhibitory manner against the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the ACE2 receptor in alveolar epithelial cells. In this narrative review, the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes and the evidence of vitamin D for COVID-19 prophylaxis were discussed.

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Perinatal depression has a significant impact on the mental health of both pregnant mothers and their offspring. The COVID-19 pandemic increases the prevalence of perinatal depression and may affect the health of the next generation. We reviewed nutritional strategies to safely prevent and treat perinatal depression under the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in dietary habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to inadequate intake of nutrients associated with the onset of perinatal depression, which may increase the risk of perinatal depression. In particular, there is concern that fish intake, a source of EPA and vitamin D, may be inadequate. Therefore, it is desirable to assess the actual nutritional status of women in the perinatal period and then provide effective nutritional support based on evidence.

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In Japan, women who are in the planning, expecting, and early stages of pregnancy are recommended to take 400 ㎍/day of folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects. While folic acid supplements have become common, the risk of infant asthma due to excessive folic acid intake by mothers has been reported overseas. This research investigated the association between the consumption of folic acid supplements during pregnancy and the development of asthma in infants in Japan. We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey of parents of children attending a nursery school in Sapporo, Hokkaido, on the diagnosis of asthma in their children and intake of folic acid supplements during pregnancy. The analysis was conducted on 305 participants. The results demonstrated that the incidence of asthma was significantly higher in the group that had taken excessive folic acid supplements during pregnancy. In this research, there was a positive correlation between intake of folic acid supplements during pregnancy and incidence of asthma. Although the results of this study do not negate the importance of folic acid intake during pregnancy, the intake of folic acid supplements is possible to be a risk for the development of asthma in infants.

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