We recently saw an interesting article about vitamin D in Autism Parenting Magazine. It explores whether or not there’s a connection between vitamin D and improving autism symptoms in children.
According to the article, back in 2008, an innovative paper was published based on data that showed autism occurred more frequently in children who lived in regions with greater cloud cover and rain versus other regions with more sunshine.
Since vitamin D is produced naturally when you’re in the sun, the paper hypothesized there is a connection between autism and vitamin D and that taking vitamin D supplements could benefit children with autism.
Eight years later, a research study featured in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that autism symptoms of children improved significantly following a 4‐month vitamin D3 supplementation regimen. The study has since been retracted, but the authors admit “a great deal of additional wide-scale studies are needed to critically validate the efficacy of vitamin D in autism.”
Here are two subsequent studies you can check out:
- This study is from 2021 and concludes vitamin D does improve typical autism symptoms.
- This one from 2024 found that vitamin D deficiency early in life is a risk factor for the development of autism and that supplementation with vitamin D improves the core symptoms of autism. However, like the previously mentioned retracted study, the authors state they were unable to determine how vitamin D works in autism and need more basic research to explore the mechanisms involved.
All that is to say the research is promising, but ultimately, the jury’s still out.
What we do know for certain is that vitamin D benefits everyone’s overall health. First and foremost, it’s essential for strong bones, because our bones can’t absorb calcium without it.
Vitamin D also regulates many other functions in the body. For example, vitamin D helps prevent and reduce inflammation and works as an antioxidant, supporting our immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity – all areas of concern for kiddos with autism.
As the article in Autism Parenting Magazine states, vitamin D also plays a role in our ability to regulate our moods. This is another important benefit for children with autism who are prone to anxiety and mood swings.
Sources of Vitamin D for Children
There’s more than one way to get beneficial vitamin D we need every day. You can get it from:
- Food – Besides fish, like salmon and tuna, vitamin D can also be found in fortified foods, like milk, yogurt, eggs, cereal, and orange juice.
- Supplements – Always consult your doctor if you’re considering giving your child vitamin D supplements. They can be helpful if you have a picky eater or if there’s a lack of sunshine, such as during fall and winter months.
- Sunshine – Most people can get the right amount of vitamin D from just 10-15 minutes of direct sun exposure a few times a week. Keep in mind that sunscreen can block the ultraviolet rays that are key to vitamin D production in our bodies.
Summertime makes it easy to get your daily dose of vitamin D. So, head outside, have some fun together as a family, and get some exercise while you let your bodies do what comes naturally – produce healthy vitamin D!
For other science-based strategies for helping your child with autism have a healthy and happy life, contact our autism and ABA therapy experts today. Like vitamin D, ABA therapy can help your child in many areas, including communication and language, social skills, and school preparation.
