Vitamin D in the General Population of Young Adults with Autism in the Faroe Islands

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency has been proposed as a possible risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels were examined in a cross-sectional population-based study in the Faroe Islands. The case group consisting of a total population cohort of 40 individuals with ASD (aged 15–24 years) had significantly lower 25(OH)D3 than their 62 typically-developing siblings and their 77 parents, and also significantly lower than 40 healthy age and gender matched comparisons. There was a trend for males having lower 25(OH)D3 than females. Effects of age, month/season of birth, IQ, various subcategories of ASD and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule score were also investigated, however, no association was found. The very low 25(OH)D3 in the ASD group suggests some underlying pathogenic mechanism.

Vitamin D deficiency and autism; a review on recent findings

“…However, larger studies are required to examine this hypothesis. On the other hand, future studies should clear whether or not adequate vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women might lower the risk of ASDs in babies (58,59). Serotonin and vitamin D have been suggested to play a role in autism.…”

“…This hormone presents immunomodulation, neuroprotection and antiepileptic properties (47). Prenatal, postnatal and even and neonatal vitamin D supplementation is imperative for ordinary brain activities (47)(48)(49)(50)(51)(52)(53)(54)(55)(56)(57)(58)(59)(60). The noticeable rise in the frequency of autism across the last 20 years is due to an increase in medical cautions to avoid the sun exposure because of its increasing of skin cancers.…”

“…Reduced sun exposure probably reduces vitamin D serum values and theoretically decreases activated levels of vitamin D in growing brains. Autism is more prevalent in dark-skinned people (59)(60)(61)(62). Moreover, rigorous maternal vitamin D inadequacy is remarkably more prevalent in dark-skinned people.…”

“…The interaction of genetic and environmental parameters in ASD was investigated in recent years. Lack of vitamin D has newly been suggested as a probable environmental risk factor for autism (11). Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a pandemic problem.…”

“…Vitamin D deficiency is a likely risk factor interacted in neurodevelopment illnesses like schizophrenia and autism during the prenatal period (18,19,35,(38)(39)(40). Some studies addressed the level of active forms of vitamin D to be lower in autistic children which is indicative the possible role of this vitamin in autism disorder (11,41). According to the increasing prevalence of autism disorder and also based on previous studies proving the role of vitamin D inadequacy in the period of pregnancy and infancy in the incidence of this disorder, treating the patients by the administration of adequate amounts of this vitamin are suggested.…”