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New Delhi: Vitamin D is a vital nutrient and is fundamental for brain function and optimal neurodevelopment at various stages. It promotes axon growth, neuron differentiation, gene expression, and influences neuroprotection and neural connectivity. It also helps in regulating the synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, GABA, and serotonin, as well as neurotrophins that are crucial for brain health. Here we are talking only about its function in neurodevelopment.
In an interaction with TV9 English, Dr. Chitra Shankar, Consultant - Developmental Paediatrics, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, answered this.
The increasing incidence of autism is a growing concern all over the world. Although no direct causal role of vitamin D deficiency in Autism has been established so far, this may be one of the risk factors of Autism, besides many others. For instance, pregnant mothers are often found to have lower levels of vitamin D. There is growing evidence of a link between vitamin D deficiency during early development and an increased risk of autism. Studies have also shown that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to have lower circulating levels of vitamin D compared to neurotypical children.
Why early identification matters
Identifying the initial symptoms of ASD in children is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Key signs often involve a combination of social and communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, and developmental delays. These include:
Understanding risk factors and exploring treatment options
Vitamin D deficiency is common during prenatal and early-life periods. Individuals who are most at risk include pregnant women and exclusively breastfed infants who are not receiving vitamin D supplements. To minimise risk, it is important to identify and treat vitamin D deficiency in these vulnerable groups by providing supplements and additional treatment whenever required. Since Vitamin D is so important for neurodevelopment and brain functioning, we recommend checking vitamin D status and ensuring adequate vitamin D intake and status during preconception, antenatal period, and in infants and young children.
Testing for vitamin D levels is a very simple and straightforward way of ensuring appropriate vitamin D levels. It involves a simple blood test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D to check the level of vitamin D circulating in your blood. Normal levels are between 20 and 50 ng/mL. Any level below 20 ng/mL is considered deficient and treated without delay. The treatment for pregnant women, infants, and children is generally by oral supplementation or rarely given as an intramuscular injection. Dosages and duration of treatment vary depending on the age and extent of deficiency.
Importance of awareness and prevention
Awareness regarding the association between Vitamin D deficiency and autism is important as it can help lower the risk of developing autism. It generally involves taking prescribed supplements regularly and ensuring that the mother’s levels are adequate during her stages of pregnancy and lactation, and by ensuring normal and adequate levels during the first few years of life.
