Link Between Newborn Vitamin D Deficiency and Increased Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Recent research conducted by the University of Queensland has uncovered a significant connection between vitamin D deficiency in newborns and a higher likelihood of developing neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder later in life. This large-scale population study examined the vitamin D status of 71,793 individuals and identified that lower vitamin D levels during infancy were associated with an increased risk of several mental health conditions. The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, extended previous findings by exploring a broader range of disorders and incorporating evidence from vitamin D biomarkers and genetics.

Led by Professor John McGrath from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute, the research analyzed data from the Danish iPSYCH study, which aims to understand mental health issues. The researchers focused on six mental disorders: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and anorexia nervosa. Their findings indicated that children with lower neonatal vitamin D levels had a notably higher risk of developing schizophrenia, ASD, and ADHD.

Professor McGrath emphasized that vitamin D plays a crucial role in brain development during early life. Despite widespread sun exposure being a primary source of vitamin D, deficiency remains common among pregnant women worldwide. This research suggests that supplementing vitamin D during pregnancy and early childhood could potentially mitigate the risk of certain neurodevelopmental conditions.

Similar to recommendations for folate intake during pregnancy to prevent spina bifida, optimizing vitamin D levels may provide a preventive strategy against neurodevelopmental disorders. The study underscores the importance of monitoring and managing vitamin D levels in expectant mothers and infants to promote healthier neurodevelopment.

The findings support existing guidelines advocating for vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and highlight the need for further research into how vitamin D influences brain health and development.

For more details, visit the original study published in The Lancet Psychiatry. (source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-newborn-vitamin-d-deficiency-linked.html)