Every year 4.9 million babies are born with a serious birth defect worldwide. The cause of most cases remains unknown. But a landmark study led by Professor Sally Dunwoodie, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, found a genetic cause for various heart birth defects and a possible way to prevent some cases.
The study, done in conjunction with scientists at Westmead Children’s Hospital, uncovered the vital role a molecule called NAD plays in foetal development. It found in mouse models by supplementing the diet with niacin (vitamin B3), you can raise levels of NAD and enable the heart and other organs to form correctly.
The team is now focusing on developing a diagnostic test with the Royal Hospital for Women at Randwick and the University of Sydney to identify women with low levels of NAD who could potentially benefit from increasing their vitamin B3 intake; improving outcomes for many hundreds of thousands of children and families.
This is an example of St Vincent’s Precinct leading an important national collaboration.