Children are especially vulnerable to mental health issues. In fact, about 30% of adolescents develop emotional or behavioral problems before they reach adulthood. A variety of factors may affect a child’s risk of behavioral issues. This includes family environment, socioeconomic status, education, stress and dietary habits.
A possible connection with vitamin D and behavioral issues?
In recent years, researchers have begun looking at the role of vitamin D status in mental health outcomes among children. To date, research has uncovered a relationship between vitamin D status and childhood depression, autism, sleep disorders, cognition and ADHD.
In Germany, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent (69%) in children between the ages of 7 and 13 years. This knowledge lead researchers to hypothesize that vitamin D deficiency may negatively impact the mental health of German children.
Research on vitamin D and behavioral health
Researchers collected data from 9,068 children between 3 and 17 years of age from May 2003 to May 2006. The parents of the children filled out standardized questionnaires regarding their child’s mental health status. The researchers interviewed all children in person and tested their vitamin D levels. In addition, the children received a medical examination to assess physical and mental health status.
Here is what the researchers found:
- The children’s average vitamin D status was 18.6 ng/ml (46.65 nmol/l).
- Vitamin D deficiency was associated with emotional problems, peer relationship issues, and increased total behavioral difficulties among children.
- Behavioral issues decreased when vitamin D levels increased by 10 ng/ml for boys and 10.2 ng/ml for girls.
- Older children (12-17 years) who were vitamin D deficient were more likely to experience behavioral issues, even after adjusting for confounding factors.
Final thoughts
Vitamin D supplementation is safe, affordable, and essential for all of our bodily systems. Grassroots Health offers a vitamin D calculator to help how much vitamin D is needed to help you reach optimal levels.
Do you have questions regarding vitamin D, or would you like to get involved in our mission? Contact a member of our team to connect today!