March 20, 2018

Vitamin D structure
Vitamin D structure

At present, for at least a subgroup of ASD [autism spectrum disorder] individuals, an imbalance in VD [vitamin D] metabolism probably exists and may be associated with the condition”. That was one of the conclusions reached in a new review of the peer-reviewed research literature undertaken by Pioggia and colleagues* based at the National Research Council of Italy – Institute of Clinical Physiology in Messina, Italy.

Surveying the various research studies undertaken on autism and vitamin D – often called the sunshine vitamin as a consequence of its synthesis following sunlight exposure – they concluded that further research is required to determine how vitamin D deficiency might come about in relation to autism. Further, whether supplementation with vitamin D may produce effects well beyond the more traditional relationship associated with aiding calcium absorption and preventing rickets, a disease affecting bone development.

Several independent research groups have reported vitamin D deficiency in relation to cases of autism. Deficiency issues, whilst also quite common in the general population and among more specific groups presenting with various conditions, seem to span both different geographies and different age ranges when discussed with the autism spectrum in mind. Various other psychological presentations known to be quite frequently comorbid to a diagnosis of autism, such as depression, have also been talked about in terms of vitamin D deficiency, further complicating the true nature of any potential relationship.

The available data on the effects of vitamin D supplementation where a deficiency is identified in cases of autism has suggested that there may be some positive behavioural consequences following treatment**. Such studies however, have been based on either single case reports or open trials of supplementation, complicating any attempts to directly link vitamin D supplementation to a reduction in autistic behaviours for example outside of other interfering variables playing some role in any results obtained.

Further investigations are indicated on the basis of the available literature.

 

* Pioggia G. et al. Autism and lack of D3 vitamin: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 2014; 8: 1685-1698.

** Jia F. et al. Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Autistic Symptoms in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Asian Case Reports in Pediatrics. 2014; 2: 21-24.

Read more about this work at: http://questioning-answers.blogspot.com/2014/10/vitamin-d-supplement-improves-autistic-behaviours.html

 

About the author 

Paul Whiteley Ph.D.

Researcher based in North East England. An academic background in psychology with a special interest in developmental psychology focused specifically on the autism spectrum and related conditions. Postgraduate degrees based on research examining the safety and efficacy of a gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet applied to autism and the potential importance of various comorbidity to the health and wellbeing of those on the autism spectrum, with a continuing research interest in these areas. Keen blogger and amateur science writer (but no formal qualifications in these areas). Science is based on probability.

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