Low Level of Serotonin and Vitamin D Linked to Autism
Nadia Shanab | autism13 Mar 2014
Source: Children’s Hospital& Research Center Oakland.
“Researchers show that seotonin, oxytocin, and vasopressin, three brain hormones that affect social behavior related to autism, are all activated by vitamin D hormone. Supplementation with vitamin D and tryptophan would be a practical and affordable solution to help prevent autism and possibly ameliorate some symptoms of the disorder.”
The researchers can now explain the previously found facts about individuals with autism:
1- Low serotonin level in the brain, and high serotonin level in the blood
2- Higher prevalence in males than females, since estrogen can also boost the brain level of serotonin in girls
3- The presence of autoimmune antibodies to fetal brain in mothers of autistic children for lack of vitamin D
It has almost been 2 decades, people try to protect their skin by wearing sunscreens. That explains the drop in vitamin D level nation-wide, which is made in the skin from exposure to sun (UVB radiations).
The above study suggests introducing vitamin D as a dietery intervention to help prevent signs related to autism.
Read the full story here.
Tip
Since vitamin D is not easily found in foods, a regular check on its level is recommended for everyone.
Tags: autism, communication, health, research, social interaction, tips
