How low vitamin D at birth could predict future mental illnesses like autism
A newborn with low levels of vitamin D could be more likely to develop mental health conditions like autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia later in life, according to a Lancet study involving the University of Queensland.This is supposed to be the largest population-based study to date looking at vitamin D and mental disorders, published in Psychiatry.Researchers assessed the vitamin D status of over 71,000 individuals, many of whom had been diagnosed with mental health disorders during childhood or early adulthood.advertisement
John McGrath from Queensland Brain Institute, who led the study in collaboration with Denmark's Aarhus University and the State Serum Institute, said that the team examined six mental disorders: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and anorexia nervosa."We found evidence that people with lower vitamin D concentration as a baby had an increased risk of schizophrenia, ASD and ADHD,' McGrath said.He added that their findings support the idea that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and early life may help reduce the risk of developing certain mental disorders later on.
People with lower vitamin D concentration as a baby had an increased risk of schizophrenia. ()
advertisement"Vitamin D is important for a baby's brain development, and low vitamin D levels are common in pregnant women across the globe," he said.To understand the broader impact of this research, IndiaToday.in spoke to Dr Himani Narula Khanna, a developmental behavioural paediatrician and adolescent mental health expert, who confirmed that a growing number of studies have drawn similar conclusions.She referred to earlier research, including a 2016 cohort study in Denmark and another in Finland, which found that babies born to mothers with low vitamin D levels had a higher risk of developing schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism symptoms in childhood or adulthood."Among these, schizophrenia and autism have shown a twofold increase in risk with low vitamin D levels. ADHD, depression and anxiety have also been linked, though the evidence is slightly more variable," she said.According to Dr. Narula, vitamin D has a huge impact on brain development. It helps regulate neurotrophic factors, which support neuron growth and connections.It also influences the brain's dopamine and serotonin systems, which are crucial for mood and emotional regulation. 'Vitamin D also helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain and supports the formation of neural pathways. All of these are important for healthy brain development," she explained.advertisementBut what's the best way to ensure enough vitamin D during pregnancy? Dr. Narula recommends daily supplements of 600 to 2000 IU (International Units) of vitamin D3, or even up to 4000 IU under a doctor's advice.'Sunlight exposure, about 10 to 30 minutes several times a week, can also help, but this depends on skin tone, clothing and where you live,' she said.Dietary sources include fatty fish like salmon and sardines, egg yolks, fish liver oil, fortified dairy or plant-based milk, and certain cereals and juices.
Low vitamin D levels are common in pregnant women across the globe. ()
However, she added, 'Vitamin D is hard to get in sufficient amounts through food alone, which is why supplements are often necessary.'Importantly, vitamin D deficiency is not the only factor that may increase the risk of mental illness.'Other contributors include genetic predisposition, maternal stress or infections during pregnancy, exposure to air pollution, poor nutrition, low birth weight, and lack of emotional stimulation in early life,' Dr. Narula said.advertisementAccess to vitamin D-rich foods and supplements is also a challenge. 'In low-income countries, fortified foods may not be common, and supplements may be too expensive or unavailable,' she added.Even in wealthier countries, people with darker skin or those who avoid sun exposure due to cultural practices can be at higher risk.Trending Reel
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