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Vitamin D deficiency associated with neurodevelopmental problems in 2-year-old Japanese boys

Kahoko Yasumitsu-Lovell1,2,3, Lucy Thompson1,2,4, Elisabeth Fernell1,2

  • 1Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|October 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to neurodevelopmental problems in young boys, but not girls. This study highlights potential sex differences in how vitamin D affects child development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Associations between vitamin D deficiency and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDPs) are suggested, but large-scale studies in general populations are limited.
  • Investigating sex differences in these associations is crucial for understanding child development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and neurodevelopmental problems (NDPs) in children.
  • To explore potential sex differences in the relationship between vitamin D status and NDPs.

Main Methods:

  • Serum 25(OH)D and NDPs were assessed at age two in a subcohort of the Japan Environment and Children's Study.
  • NDPs were evaluated using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001, with adjusted odds ratios calculated for developmental quotient scores below 70.

Main Results:

  • Boys exhibited higher 25(OH)D levels but lower Kyoto Scale scores compared to girls.
  • Vitamin D deficiency in boys was significantly associated with lower overall developmental quotients (aOR=2.33), cognitive-adaptive scores (aOR=1.91), and language-social scores (aOR=1.69).
  • Results for girls were inconclusive, showing no clear association.

Conclusions:

  • A significant association between vitamin D deficiency and neurodevelopmental problems was observed exclusively in boys.
  • Findings suggest potential sex-specific effects of vitamin D on neurodevelopment in early childhood.
Abstract

Keywords:
Japan Environment and Children's StudyKyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001neurodevelopmental problemssex differencesvitamin D deficiency

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