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Autism is a disorder characterized by a decrease in social interaction, communication and a repetitive and restricted behavior. In general, the signs of autism appear in the first years of life and continue to manifest throughout the development, and people with autism have difficulties to insert themselves into society.

This neurodevelopmental disorder lacks a recognized cause. The scientists explain that it would seem to be hereditary but that it can also be generated by environmental factors such as food and pollution.

Since 1980, the number of autistic people has increased considerably. It is estimated that there are around 21.7 million people living with autism in the world.

Recently, one study reported that vitamin D would seem to prevent the development of autism in mice.

Vitamin D during pregnancy

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A study published in the journal *** Molecular Autism *** reported that the consumption of vitamin D in pregnant mice seems to prevent the development of autism in offspring. These results will now be investigated in humans, through vitamin D supplements.

According to scientists, vitamin D is important in the early development of the brain. Several studies have reported that a deficiency of vitamin D could generate a variation in the size and shape of people's brains. In particular, an increase in brain size and a particular shape is what is seen in individuals with the autistic spectrum.

In the study, the mice that received active vitamin D had offspring that did not develop any deficiency or change at the brain level.

Autism and vitamin deficiency

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The autism spectrum syndrome is a very complex condition since it is not known with certainty the reason why it appears, and this makes it difficult to study it in humans. However, several studies have shown that among the environmental factors that can cause this condition, vitamin D plays an important role.

For example, the prevalence of autism in Somali immigrant populations in Stockholm is much higher than in their own country. The scientists came to the conclusion that this is because, in regions further north of the planet, not so much sun is received. Thus, people with darker skin synthesize vitamin D more slowly.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various diseases such as schizophrenia, asthma and reduction of bone density. In the study, researchers analyzed blood samples from pregnant women and concluded that those with lower than normal vitamin D levels were more likely to have a baby with autism.

For this reason, the consumption of prenatal vitamins is important, beyond maintaining a balanced diet. Many times, the environment itself conditions our synthesis of vitamins, and more particularly of vitamin D.