Newborns with low vitamin D levels are more likely to develop mental health disorders later in life, according to a large-scale international study involving researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ).
The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, examined the vitamin D status of 71,793 individuals in Denmark. Led by Professor John McGrath of UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, the research is the largest population-based investigation of its kind.
Researchers found that early vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher risk of developing six major mental health conditions: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anorexia nervosa.
“This study reinforces the importance of adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy and early infancy,” said Professor McGrath. “Just as folate is recommended to prevent spina bifida, vitamin D may play a critical role in supporting healthy brain development and reducing the risk of mental illness.”
The research team analyzed health data collected through Denmark’s iPSYCH project, which investigates genetic and environmental factors in psychiatric disorders. The study was conducted in collaboration with Aarhus University and the State Serum Institute in Denmark.
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is primarily obtained through sunlight exposure, but it is also found in certain foods and available as a dietary supplement. Deficiency in vitamin D is common globally, especially among pregnant women.
Professor McGrath emphasized that the findings support existing public health recommendations that encourage vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy. “Optimizing vitamin D levels could be a simple and cost-effective way to reduce the burden of mental disorders in future generations,” he said.
The study was supported by funding from the Danish National Research Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation, the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, and The University of Queensland
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