Newborn vitamin D deficiency linked to higher risk of ADHD, schizophrenia and autism

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May 15, 2025, 3:20 PM

• •Neonatal vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased risk of schizophrenia, ASD, and ADHD.
• •The study examined 71,793 people, many with mental health disorders diagnosed in childhood.
• •Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and early life may reduce the risk of mental disorders.
• •The research used data from the iPSYCH study in Denmark, which investigates mental disorders.

A major study by the University of Queensland found that newborn babies with a vitamin D deficiency have a higher chance of developing mental disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism. Researchers examined the vitamin D status of a large population, linking low vitamin D levels to increased risks of these disorders. The study suggests that vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and early life could potentially reduce the risk of these neurodevelopmental conditions. This research, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, builds upon previous findings and offers further insight into the importance of vitamin D for early brain development.

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