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Babies Lacking Vitamin D May Face Higher Risk of Mental Disorders, Study Shows

Researchers have discovered that newborns lacking sufficient vitamin D may face an increased risk of developing mental health conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

As part of the most extensive research of this type, scientists examined the vitamin D levels in over 70,000 individuals when they were infants. They utilized dried blood samples preserved on filter paper, which had been collected from heel pricks conducted within the baby’s initial days.

The meticulous study was spearheaded by University of Queensland (UQ) psychiatrist Dr. John McGrath. It examined vitamin D levels among individuals born between 1981 and 2005 in Denmark, with the filter papers used for testing stored in Denmark as well.

They contrasted vitamin D information from a randomly chosen group of Danes free of mental health issues with individuals diagnosed with autism, schizophrenia, ADHD, severe depression, bipolar disorder, and anorexia nervosa.

Professor McGrath stated that their findings indicated a higher likelihood of schizophrenia, autism, and ADHD associated with lower levels of vitamin D.

We believe that vitamin D intake during adulthood isn’t linked to these conditions. Our focus is on insufficient levels of vitamin D during the early stages of brain development.

A newborn infant cannot produce their own vitamin D. The entirety of the vitamin D detected in a newborn comes directly from the mother.

'The sunshine vitamin'

Professor McGrath from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute stated that the fresh findings indicate adequate levels of vitamin D during early development are crucial not just for strengthening bones but also for fostering healthier brains.

He stated that "very low" levels of vitamin D are considered to be below 25 nanomoles per liter of blood.

Although this study supports earlier findings indicating an association between low levels of maternal vitamin D and conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, and ADHD, he emphasized that mental health disorders have multiple causes. These can include various genetic components along with numerous environmental influences.

Professor McGrath stated that numerous additional elements can influence the proper development of the brain, including prenatal infections.

Pregnancy-related difficulties and early life traumas could potentially be connected to psychological issues in adulthood.

For individuals predisposed to schizophrenia, using marijuana during teenage years can act as a trigger.

Over the last thirty years, Professor McGrath has been working to pinpoint risk factors like insufficient Vitamin D levels with the aim of modifying these elements in hopes of reducing the occurrence of these conditions.

The results of the recent research indicate that if vitamin D indeed plays a causative role, then approximately 15% of schizophrenia instances, 9% of ADHD occurrences, and 5% of autism diagnoses might have been avoided had all subjects maintained vitamin D levels above 21 nanomoles per liter at birth.

However, Professor McGrath stated that those figures were derived from people residing in Denmark rather than in Australia, where individuals tend to have a lower likelihood of being vitamin D deficient.

Vitamin D is commonly known as "the sunshine vitamin" due to the sun being an excellent source of it. You can find this vitamin in certain foods too, and supplements are another option available.

In Australia, adding vitamin D to margarine is required by law.

Alterations to prenatal care recommendations

On behalf of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), Amanda Henry stated that families ought not to become "unduly alarmed nor excessively optimistic" regarding the study’s conclusions.

She stated clearly that we aren’t suggesting this accounts for all aspects of these conditions.

Professor Henry, who wasn’t part of the study, mentioned that the current RANZCOG guidelines suggest pregnant women should take vitamin D as part of their prenatal supplements.

However, she stated that recommending regular Vitamin D testing was not advised.

The leader of women's health programs at The George Institute for Global Health stated that the federal government is supporting an evaluation of Australia’s prenatal care guidelines, which will be headed by RANZCOG and the Australian College of Midwives.

Professor Henry stated that "Vitamin D is among the subjects currently being developed for active updates."

We’re awaiting the incorporation of the newest research before updating our guidelines for expectant mothers and their families across Australia regarding actions related to vitamin D and numerous other aspects during pregnancy.

We aim to avoid being rigid in our approach to pregnancy and infant care and are working hard to establish some nationwide guidelines that reflect current evidence for providing optimal care for expectant mothers and infants.

Professor McGrath's research is supported by the Danish National Research Foundation, the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, and UQ.

The research paper on vitamin D has been published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

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