Thu Jul 24 00:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, drawing on data from the Danish Neonatal Screening Biobank, suggests a link between neonatal vitamin D levels and the risk of developing schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism. The study found that newborns with higher vitamin D levels had a lower risk of these conditions later in life. While the study used genetic tools to explore causality, uncertainties remain, and more research is needed. In India, where vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in both mothers and infants, the findings underscore the importance of routine antenatal vitamin D supplementation to support healthy brain development. Experts recommend shifting from reactive treatment to preventive care, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings where deficiencies often go undiagnosed.

**News Article:**

**Indian Perspective: Study Links Neonatal Vitamin D Levels to Lower Risk of Mental Health Conditions**

**New Delhi – July 24, 2025** – A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Psychiatry has revealed a potential link between vitamin D levels at birth and a reduced risk of developing schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism. The study, conducted in Denmark, analyzed data from over 88,000 individuals and found that newborns with higher vitamin D levels had a significantly lower risk of developing these neurodevelopmental conditions later in life.

The findings carry particular weight for India, where vitamin D deficiency is widespread among pregnant women and infants. Studies conducted in India have shown alarming rates of deficiency, with some studies reporting that the majority of newborns are deficient, likely due to maternal deficiency during pregnancy.

According to Dr. Anuradha Kapur, principal director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, timely vitamin D supplementation in deficient mothers can significantly improve both maternal and neonatal levels. She advocates for routine antenatal supplementation, ideally starting early in pregnancy, as a preventive measure.

“Early brain development is shaped by access to nutrients, and vitamin D is one such modifiable element we can and must intervene on,” stated Dr. Kapur.

While the Danish study acknowledges that further research is needed to confirm a causal relationship, it adds to growing evidence that early-life nutrition plays a crucial role in long-term mental health. Experts in India are urging a shift from reactive treatment of vitamin D deficiency to proactive screening and supplementation during pregnancy, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where access to healthcare is limited.

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