In what is described as the largest population-based study of its kind, scientists examined the vitamin D levels of 71,793 individuals — many of whom were later diagnosed with mental health disorders during childhood or early adulthood.
The study was led by Professor John McGrath of the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland, in collaboration with the National Centre for Register-Based Research at Aarhus University and the State Serum Institute in Denmark.
Researchers investigated the connection between neonatal vitamin D levels and six major mental disorders: schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anorexia nervosa.
“We found compelling evidence that lower vitamin D concentrations at birth were associated with increased risks of schizophrenia, ASD, and ADHD,” said Professor McGrath.
While earlier studies had already linked vitamin D deficiency in newborns to schizophrenia and autism, this new research expands the scope to include a broader range of psychiatric conditions. It also incorporates advanced analysis using two vitamin D-related biomarkers and relevant genetic data.
According to Professor McGrath, the findings support the growing argument for vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and early infancy as a preventive strategy for mental illness.
“Vitamin D plays a vital role in early brain development, and deficiencies are common among pregnant women globally,” he explained. “Many countries already recommend vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, much like folate is prescribed to reduce the risk of spina bifida. Our findings suggest that ensuring adequate vitamin D levels in early life could reduce the risk of several mental health conditions.”
The data used in the study came from the iPSYCH project, a major Danish research initiative launched in 2012 to study the causes of psychiatric disorders.
Vitamin D is primarily synthesized through skin exposure to sunlight but can also be sourced from certain foods and dietary supplements.
The full research findings are published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
Professor McGrath’s research received funding from the Danish National Research Foundation, the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, and The University of Queensland. The iPSYCH project is supported by the Lundbeck Foundation.
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