Vitamin D Deficiency During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorders Development

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interactions, impaired communications, and stereotypic and repetitive behavior with different degrees of severity. The etiology of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, although the interaction of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a fundamental role in the process. The main aim of this narrative review is to discuss the current knowledge about the interrelationships between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder development. Literature analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy plays a role in conditioning the development and function of the nervous system. Studies carried out in vitro and in experimental animals have shown that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the nervous system that can be observed in autism spectrum disorder patients. Moreover, it has been reported that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy could be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder development in the offspring, that children with autism spectrum disorder have significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D than normal children and that supplementation of vitamin D in autism spectrum disorder children is associated with a reduction in psychiatric manifestations. However, the data currently available do not adequately support the hypothesis that vitamin D may be a factor which contribute to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should be better studied to establish whether and when fetal vulnerability is highest and if vitamin D supplementation is able to reduce the risk of structural and functional alterations of the nervous system and autism spectrum disorder development. The role of vitamin D after birth must be better defined to evaluate if vitamin D administration is potentially effective in reducing autism spectrum disorder manifestations.

Machine learning analysis of pregnancy data enables early identification of a subpopulation of newborns with ASD

“…In addition, de novo variations play an important role 45 , complicating the prediction. Many non-genetic factors play an important role in ASD pathogenesis during maternity including vitamin deficiency 11 and environmental factors (e.g. pollution, pesticides, for review 13 ).…”

“…Clinical and histological observations suggest that ASD is generated in the womb. Thus, increased ASD incidence has been related to maternal viral or microbial infection, febrile episodes, activation of the immune system 6 – 9 , drugs taken during pregnancy, notably sodium valproate 10 , deficiency of Vitamin D 11 , or exposure to environmental hazards 12 , 13 . Post-mortem analysis of brains from children with ASD reveals an abnormal excess of neurons in the prefrontal cortex indicative of an in utero origin 14 .…”

Autism spectrum disorders and atopic dermatitis: a new perspective from country-based prevalence data

“…One of the possible, more reasonable explanations, is that Middle East countries have been experiencing a significant deficit in terms of serum Vitamin D levels, with several recommendations to undergo their supplementation already in women during pregnancy to prevent from bone diseases, immune malfunctioning and nervous system disturbances [ 20 ]. As such, hypovitaminosis D was associated with a higher risk of ASD pathogenesis [ 21 ], with convincing etiopathological explanations [ 22 ]. In addition, children with lower serum levels of Vitamin D appear to improve their clinical status after Vitamin D supplementation, with a significant reduction of psychiatric manifestations [ 23 ].…”

How 25(OH)D Levels during Pregnancy Affect Prevalence of Autism in Children: Systematic Review

“…That study reported that no relationship existed between maternal vitamin D levels and autism in children of both white and Somali mothers [ 86 ], but fewer than 20 mothers were included in each group and analyses were performed several years after birth. A review in January 2020 concluded that vitamin D deficiency in the data available now does not adequately support the hypothesis that it may contribute to the etiology of ASD [ 87 ].…”