Published on: July 24, 2025

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

NEWS – Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Danish Study

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Study Findings

  • Large-scale Danish study (Lancet Psychiatry) analyzed data from 88,764 newborns (1981–2005).
  • Low neonatal vitamin D levels linked to higher risk of:
    • Schizophrenia (↓18%)
    • ADHD (↓11%)
    • Autism (↓7%)
  • No strong links found with depression or bipolar disorder.

Scientific Methods Used

  • Data sourced from Danish Neonatal Screening Biobank.
  • Used polygenic risk scores (PRS) and Mendelian randomisation to rule out reverse causation.
  • Higher vitamin D-binding protein also linked to reduced schizophrenia risk.

Implications for India

  • Despite ample sunlight, vitamin D deficiency is rampant:
    • 74% of infants, 85.5% of mothers deficient (AIIMS Rishikesh).
    • 92.1% of newborns deficient in Bengaluru study.
  • Deficiency often passed from mother to child; worsens in third trimester.
NOTE

·        To combat widespread vitamin D deficiency and its potential neurodevelopmental impact, India must adopt a preventive healthcare approach.

·        This includes routine vitamin D screening during pregnancy, early antenatal supplementation starting in the first trimester, and public awareness campaigns about sunlight exposure and dietary sources.

·        Strengthening maternal nutrition programs, especially in rural areas, and incorporating vitamin D guidelines into national maternal health policies can ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and children across generations.