Vitamin D

 

 

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is mainly produced in humans from UV rays from sunlight on the skin. Some foods have vitamin D as well. All sources of vitamin D are inactive until the body converts it to calcidiol in the liver and then calcitriol in the kidneys. Vitamin D plays an important role in absorbing calcium and maintaining bone health. Vitamin D also reduces inflammation and promotes cell growth and nerve and immune system function. It is active in brain development and nerve signaling.

In dietary sources, vitamin D has two main forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D status is measured by serum 25(OH)D levels. The recommended intake of vitamin D, assuming minimal sunlight exposure, is about 15 mcg or 600 IU. Dietary supplements can contain D2 or D3. Vitamin D2 is created from UV irradiation of yeast, and D3 from sheep wool. Both types raise vitamin D blood levels, but D3 is found to be the most effective.

 

Effects on Autism

Children with autism have lower vitamin D levels compared to unaffected siblings. Supplementation of vitamin D has been shown to improve autism symptoms in about 75% of autistic children. Supplementation of 5000 IU during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the incidence of autism in the child. Vitamin D supplemental doses studied in autistic children average 5000 IU. Causes of autism involve gene mutations/ variants involved in cell function, and nervous system development. Research has shown that vitamin D levels impact this development. 

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Some studies have found that children with autism have significantly lower levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is involved in absorbing magnesium, a crucial micronutrient in brain development. It is particularly difficult for autistic children to get enough vitamin D because of its limited food sources. This is especially true for children with food selectivity and food-avoidant behaviors. Many studies have shown vitamin D has a role in the functioning of the cerebellum, which is a brain region linked to autism.  Children with more severe autism have been shown to have lower levels of vitamin D than less severely affected children. After 3 months of around 4000-5000 IU vitamin D supplementation, the children had improved autism level scores and reduced aberrant behavior. Supplementation has significantly improved all children with autism but has had more pronounced effects in younger children. 

 

Effects on Heavy Metal Toxicity

Vitamin D deficiency leads to impaired defense against inflammation and toxin damage. Vitamin D is involved in brain detoxification pathways. These pathways increase levels of glutathione, a peptide that removes damaging toxins and removes heavy metals. However, some vitamin D