''AUTSIM AND VITAMIN D''

-Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnancy is Linked to Autism.

Autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of
neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterised by deficits
in social interactions including verbal and nonverbal behaviours.
Researchers believe that these ASD-like behaviours are a result of
a complex interplay between genetic defects and environmental
risk factors causing abnormal neurodevelopment during
maturation in utero and in early childhood.
Neuroimaging studies have shown that there is micro- and macro-
structural neural disorganisation particularly in areas involved in
socioemotional processing. Genetic studies have identified
mutations in well-conserved pathways that are important for
functional network connectivity in these areas. In-depth gene
analysis studies also appear show that pathways associated with
neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis have been interfered with
Environmental factors associated with ASD also significantly
contribute to autism-related traits. These include epigenetic
changes (heritable changes not caused by alteration in the genetic
code), immunological processes (maternal infections), obstetric
complications (e.g. hypoxia) and toxin-related factors (e.g.
pesticides, medications). Other possible ASD-related
environmental risk factors include smoking, alcohol, and nutrient
deficiencies in the mother during fetal development, More
recently, scientists showed that a deficiency in vitamin D during
pregnancy is also mechanistically associated with the
development of ASD. Previous studies have shown evidence of
vitamin D deficiency playing a role in autism as well as other
psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced in the body
after skin exposure to sun, Although it is known as a vitamin, it
doesn’t fulfil the definition for one as it is produced within the
body. More recently, it is being viewed as a powerful steroid
hormone that has a complex cellular function,Vitamin D and its
metabolites have many roles in normal brain development and
functioning with compelling evidence suggesting that vitamin D
deficiency is implicated in the development of psychiatric and
neurological diseases. Calcitrol is known to downregulate
inflammatory cytokines which have been found to be elevated in
children with autism.