Is Deficiency of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D A Risk Factor for Autism? A Preliminary Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Phoniatrics Unit, Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

2 Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

3 Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

4 Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Assuit AlAzhar University, Assuit, Egypt

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the status of 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D [25-(OH)-D] in autistic children and to correlate with their mothers vitamin statuses and autism severity.
Methods: In this case-control study, serum 25(OH)-D was measured in autistic children and controls (n=36 each) and in mothers of autistics and control mothers (n=24 each). Comparison and correlation studies were performed.
Results: Both autistic children and their mothers have lower 25-(OH)-D compared to their controls with significant differences (PConclusion: Deficiency of 25(OH)-D is common in autistic children and related to the severity of symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency in children might be maternal-dependent. Deficiency of 25(OH)-D in autistic children and their mothers could be the primary predisposing factor for autism. This may find a common link among the genetic, immunological, anatomical, biochemical and physiological factors putting the puzzles together. Early supplementation of vitamin D could improve autistic manifestations.

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