Autism 4 times more likely if low vitamin D during first trimester
Lower maternal serum 25(OH) D in first trimester associated with higher autism risk in Chinese offspring
Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Volume 89, October 2016, Pages 98–101, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.08.013
Jianzhang Chen a, b, chanjz@126.com, Kuolin Xin b, Junjie Wei c, Kangli Zhang b, , , Huajun Xiao d
Highlights
Vitamin D deficiency was hypothesized to play role in ASD.
Maternal 25(OH) D in autistic group lower than in typically-developing group
Maternal 25(OH) D concentrations were associated with risk of developing autism.
This is an opportunity for prenatal intervention to reduce the risk for autism.
Objective
The aim of this study was to examine the association between maternal serum vitamin D status in first trimester and risk of ASD at age 3–7 years in the offspring.
Methods
Using a case-control design, 68 children diagnosed with ASD and 68 sex and age matched typically-developing children were included. Archived maternal blood samples from the first trimester of pregnancy (11–13 weeks gestational age) were identified for those participants. Maternal serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D], unmetabolized folic acid (FA), vitamin B12, homocysteine (HCY) and High Sensitivity C Reactive protein (CRP) were measured from those samples. We examined the associations between those factors in pregnancy and diagnosis of ASD with logistic regression using SPSS.
Results
Mothers in autistic group had significantly lower maternal serum levels of 25(OH) D than in typically-developing group [ 19.2 (IQR: 15.8–22.9) ng/ml vs. 24.3 (19.3–27.3) ng/ml, P < 0.001], with 55.9% and 29.4% being vitamin D deficient, respectively (P < 0.001). Levels of 25(OH) D increased with decreasing severity of ASD as defined by the CARS score (r = - 0.302, P < 0.001). Maternal first trimester serum levels of 25(OH) D in the lower 3 quartiles (quartile 1, 2, 3) (compared to the highest quartile) was associated with increased odds of ASD diagnosis in offspring [OR (95% CI) Q1: 1.36(0.84–2.58, P = 0.25); Q2: 2.68(1.44–4.29, P = 0.006); Q3:3.99 (2.58–7.12, P < 0.001)].
Conclusions
Lower first trimester maternal serum levels of 25(OH) D were associated with increased risk of developing autism in offspring. If these findings are confirmed, this may present an opportunity for prenatal intervention to reduce the risk for ASD.
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See also VitaminDWiki
Autism associated with low vitamin D during pregnancy – Nov 2016
Autistic measure 5X more likely if low vitamin D in second trimester – Oct 2012
Autism is associated with low vitamin D – meta-analysis Oct 2015
Most Autism Risk factors are associated with low vitamin D - March 2014
Autism 17 times more likely with excessive Folic Acid and B-12 (now added to bread) – May 2016
Autism category in VitaminDWiki starts with
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