Research published in The Lancet Psychiatry indicates that newborns with vitamin D deficiency are at an increased risk for mental disorders like ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism.
The development of an unborn child’s brain relies on vitamin D, and pregnant women worldwide often have low levels of this vitamin. Many countries recommend vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, in addition to iron and folic acid. While vitamin D can also be obtained from certain foods and supplements, it is primarily produced through sunlight exposure. The research team examined the vitamin D status of 71,793 newborns. They also investigated six mental illnesses: anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
According to Professor John McGrath, the study’s author, there is evidence that individuals who had low vitamin D levels as infants were more likely to develop schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
He underlined that this study used two vitamin D-related biomarkers and looked at a larger variety of mental disorders than earlier research.
According to McGrath, taking vitamin D supplements in the early stages of pregnancy may help lower the chance of developing mental health issues as an adult.
The researchers concluded that a childhood vitamin D deficiency may raise the chance of developing some mental illnesses in later life.
Most Commented