Causal link found between vitamin D, serotonin synthesis and autism in new study

Causal link found between vitamin D, serotonin synthesis and autism in new study

This study suggests dietary intervention with vitamin D, tryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids would boost brain serotonin concentrations and help prevent and possibly ameliorate some of the symptoms associated with ASD without side effects. Credit: © Bob Rannells / Fotolia

This study suggests dietary intervention with vitamin D, tryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids would boost brain serotonin concentrations and help prevent and possibly ameliorate some of the symptoms associated with ASD without side effects.
Credit: © Bob Rannells / Fotolia

Serotonin and vitamin D have been proposed to play a role in autism, however, no causal mechanism has been established. Now, researchers show that serotonin, 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. Full story here.