Autism and Vitamin D Deficiency – Could a Children’s Vitamin D Supplement Help?

In a study conducted at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI), vitamin D was shown to play a role in three brain hormones that affect social behavior. Autism, which is characterized by abnormal social behavior, has been linked to low serotonin and vitamin D levels. This research is shedding new light on the benefits of children’s vitamin D supplements.

In the study, researchers discovered that vitamin D activates a gene that helps to produce serotonin in the brain. This hormone plays a big part in social behavior. This lack of activation of the gene helps to explain many of the not understood facts about autism including:

1. Autistic children have low levels of serotonin in the brain.
2. Males are more likely to be autistic. Estrogen helps to boost brain levels of serotonin.

The study also suggests that dietary intervention with vitamin D, tryptophan, and omega 3 fatty acids would help boost brain serotonin concentrations to help prevent some symptoms associated with autism without side effects. Because there is little vitamin D found in most common foods, a children’s vitamin D supplement is an inexpensive solution that can help raise vitamin D levels.

Of course, it’s important to discuss the addition of any new therapy, including kids vitamin D, with your pediatrician. Monitoring of vitamin D levels should be monitored closely, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the vitamin should be an important part of prenatal care such as folic acid.