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Associations between vitamin D and brain volume in children with autism spectrum disorder

Pu Tian1, Miaoshui Bai2, Yaqian Liang3

  • 1Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.

Pediatric Research
|October 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D levels impact brain structure in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Lower vitamin D is linked to altered gray matter volume, affecting symptom severity and development, suggesting nutritional interventions may help.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is linked to neurodevelopmental issues in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Early childhood (24-72 months) is critical for neurodevelopment and ASD diagnosis.
  • This study investigates vitamin D's impact on brain structure and development in children with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between vitamin D status and brain structure in children with ASD.
  • To analyze how vitamin D influences symptom severity and developmental outcomes.
  • To identify potential neurodevelopmental mechanisms in ASD related to vitamin D.

Main Methods:

  • 234 children with ASD were categorized by symptom severity (mild-to-moderate vs. severe) and vitamin D status (normal, insufficient, deficient).
  • Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) assessed gray matter volume (GMV).
  • Statistical analyses examined associations between GMV, vitamin D levels, symptom severity, and developmental quotients.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in gray matter volume were observed across vitamin D subgroups, particularly in frontal and cerebellar regions.
  • Structural variations correlated with ASD symptom severity and developmental functioning.
  • Mediation analysis indicated that frontal lobe volume partially explained the link between vitamin D and clinical/developmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D levels are significantly associated with region-specific gray matter volume in children with ASD.
  • These structural differences mediate the relationship between vitamin D and clinical/developmental outcomes.
  • Vitamin D may be a modifiable factor influencing neurodevelopment in ASD, informing targeted nutritional interventions.
Abstract

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