Lack Of Vitamin D & Neurodevelopmental Issues

A large-scale Danish study in The Lancet Psychiatry links low neonatal vitamin D levels to higher risks of schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism citing similar clinical concerns observed in India.

Study scope: Researchers used dried blood spot samples from 88,764 individuals in Denmark born between 1981 and 2005 to measure levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and vitamin D-binding protein.

Key Findings

Neurodevelopmental link: Higher neonatal vitamin D levels were associated with a lower risk of schizophrenia (18%), ADHD (11%), and autism (7%).

PWonlyIAS Extra Edge

Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how your brain works. It can change the way you think, remember, feel, and act.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is a brain condition that makes it harder to focus, sit still, or control actions. It doesn’t mean you have no attention, it means your attention can be hard to manage.

Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Autism is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and understands the world.

Preventable cases: Modelling showed that if all babies had vitamin D levels in the top 60% of the sample, up to 15% of schizophrenia, 9% of ADHD, and 5% of autism cases might be preventable.
Early onset: The risk reduction effects of vitamin D were observable from a young age.
Disorders unaffected: No strong association found between neonatal vitamin D levels and depression or bipolar disorder, possibly due to their later onset and different biological pathways.

India’s Vitamin D Scenario

Widespread deficiency: Despite abundant sunlight, studies show:
- 74% of infants and 85.5% of mothers at AIIMS Rishikesh (2017–18) were vitamin D deficient
- 92.1% of newborns in a Bengaluru study were deficient
Maternal-fetal transfer: Vitamin D levels in pregnant women directly affect their infants. Even with biological adaptations in late pregnancy, maternal levels don’t rise without improved sunlight or diet.
Transgenerational impact: A 2024 Bundelkhand study found a strong correlation between maternal and neonatal vitamin D levels, reinforcing the idea of biological inheritance of deficiency.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for overall health. Sources include Sunlight, Fortified foods, Oily Fish, Egg Yolk etc..

Role of Vitamin D

Calcium and Phosphate Absorption: Helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate from the gut, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth.
Bone Health: Maintains bone strength and prevents diseases like rickets (in children) and osteoporosis (in adults).
Muscle Function: Supports muscle strength and function, reducing the risk of falls in older adults.
Immune System Support: Enhances the body’s immune response and helps fight infections.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reduces inflammation in tissues, which may help in managing chronic diseases.
Cell Growth Regulation: Involved in cell repair and growth, helping to protect against damage.

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