Correlation of serum 25-(OH)D and vitamin B12 levels withseverity of autism spectrum disorder in children

Abstract

Objective To explore the levels of serum 25-(OH)D and vitamin B12 in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their correlation with disease characteristics,in order to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of ASD. Methods A total of 100 children with ASD treated in the First People's Hospital of Zhaoqing from June 2019 and June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed,and were selected as observation group.Another 100 healthy children who came to the hospital for physical examination were randomly enrolled as control group.The levels of serum 25-(OH)D and vitamin B12 of the children in two groups were compared,and the differences in supplementation rates of vitamin D and vitamin B12 during childhood and maternal pregnancy were statistically analyzed.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the differences in levels of serum 25-(OH)D and vitamin B12 of children in both groups.Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to explore the correlation between changes of levels of serum 25-(OH) D and vitamin B12 and severity of ASD. Results The levels of serum 25-(OH)D and vitamin B12 of children,the supplementation rates of vitamin D and vitamin B12 of children and mothers in the observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (t=9.230,7.163, χ²=16.647,23.894,11.524,4.760,P<0.05).The levels of serum 25-(OH)D and vitamin B12 had the value of predicting and evaluating ASD (AUC=0.816,0.761,P<0.05).The levels of serum 25-(OH)D and vitamin B12 of children with mild-to-moderate ASD were higher than those with severe ASD (P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis found that the severity of ASD children was negatively correlated with levels of serum 25-(OH)D and vitamin B12 (r_s=-0.328,-0.301,P<0.05). Conclusions Children with ASD have abnormal serum 25-(OH) D and vitamin B12.The supplementation rates of vitamin D and vitamin B12 during childhood and maternal pregnancy are related to the incidence of ASD.Vitamin D and B12 supplementation during pregnancy may have a certain effect on preventing the treating of ASD in children.

Keywords

autism spectrum disorders / 25-(OH)D / vitamin B12