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Lower maternal serum 25(OH) D in first trimester associated with higher autism risk in Chinese offspring
Jianzhang Chen1, Kuolin Xin2, Junjie Wei3
1Faculty of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710032, China; Department of Medical Psychology, General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, Shandong Province 250031, China.
Insights
Maternal vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with increased ASD odds, suggesting potential for prenatal intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Maternal and child health
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with increasing prevalence.
- Maternal health during pregnancy, including nutritional status, is crucial for fetal development.
- Vitamin D plays a role in various biological processes, including neurodevelopment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between first-trimester maternal serum vitamin D levels and the risk of ASD in offspring.
- To explore the relationship between vitamin D status and ASD severity.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study included 68 children with ASD and 68 typically developing controls.
- Maternal serum samples from the first trimester were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D], unmetabolized folic acid, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein.
- Logistic regression was used to examine associations between maternal factors and ASD diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Mothers of children with ASD had significantly lower first-trimester serum 25(OH)D levels compared to controls.
- Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in mothers of children with ASD (55.9% vs. 29.4%).
- Lower maternal 25(OH)D levels were associated with increased odds of ASD diagnosis in offspring.
Conclusions:
- Low first-trimester maternal vitamin D status is associated with an increased risk of ASD in offspring.
- These findings suggest a potential role for prenatal vitamin D supplementation in reducing ASD risk.
- Further research is needed to confirm these associations and explore intervention strategies.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the association between maternal serum vitamin D status in first trimester and risk of ASD at age 3-7years in the offspring.
Methods:
Using a case-control design, 68 children diagnosed with ASD and 68 sex and age matched typically-developing children were included. Archived maternal blood samples from the first trimester of pregnancy (11-13weeks gestational age) were identified for those participants. Maternal serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D], unmetabolized folic acid (FA), vitamin B12, homocysteine (HCY) and High Sensitivity C Reactive protein (CRP) were measured from those samples. We examined the associations between those factors in pregnancy and diagnosis of ASD with logistic regression using SPSS.
Results:
Mothers in autistic group had significantly lower maternal serum levels of 25(OH) D than in typically-developing group [19.2(IQR: 15.8-22.9)ng/ml vs. 24.3(19.3-27.3)ng/ml, P<0.001], with 55.9% and 29.4% being vitamin D deficient, respectively (P<0.001). Levels of 25(OH) D increased with decreasing severity of ASD as defined by the CARS score (r=-0.302, P<0.001). Maternal first trimester serum levels of 25(OH) D in the lower 3 quartiles (quartile 1, 2, 3) (compared to the highest quartile) was associated with increased odds of ASD diagnosis in offspring [OR (95% CI) Q1: 1.36(0.84-2.58, P=0.25); Q2: 2.68(1.44-4.29, P=0.006); Q3:3.99(2.58-7.12, P<0.001)].
Conclusions:
Lower first trimester maternal serum levels of 25(OH) D were associated with increased risk of developing autism in offspring. If these findings are confirmed, this may present an opportunity for prenatal intervention to reduce the risk for ASD.
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