CHANGABLE ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS IN AUTISM: VITAMIN D AND FOLIC ACID

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a severe neuro-developmental disorder which generally starts during infancy as well as mostly in the first 3 years of life. ASD is characterized by social, behavioral, and communication symptoms. Genetics and certain environmental factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of autism, although the etiology of the disease is unknown. Maternal nutrition is important for development of the fetal brain. The mother’s nutritional condition before and during pregnancy may affect the risk of ASD incidence. Vitamin D deficiency is taken into consideration as a possible risk factor for development of ASD. Compared to healthy peers, children with ASD were indicated to have lower levels of vitamin D. However, it is not clear yet if this condition was influenced by the fact that whether patients with ASD are born with lower levels of vitamin D or they are exposed to sunlight lesser. Also f olic acid supplementation during pregnancy and blood folate levels in children with autism are environmental factors contributing to autism incidence through dietary intake. The aim of this study is to explain the relationship between vitamin D, folic acid and ASD.