VITAMIN D INTAKE AND SUN EXPOSURE IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN

It is well known that main sources of Vitamin D are sun exposure and diet. There is a gap in our knowledge about the contribution of these factors to Vitamin D level among autistic children in Egypt. Aim: To determine Vitamin D dietary intake and sun exposure and their impact on vitamin D level. Methods and procedures: Serum Vitamin D levels were measured in 42 autistic and 40 healthy matched children. Dietary Vitamin D intake and sun exposure hours were collected using an adapted pre-validated food frequency questionnaire. Vitamin D intake was compared with recommended dietary intake (600 IU). Results and outcomes: Autistic children had significantly lower serum levels of 25- hydroxy Vitamin D than healthy children (P < 0.001) with 54.7% and 28.6% being Vitamin D deficient and insufficient, respectively. Dietary Vitamin D intake of both groups was significantly lower than recommended dietary intake. No correlations between serum Vitamin D level and dietary Vitamin D intake or Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Conclusion and implications: Vitamin D deficiency was found in autistic children and this may contribute to pathogenesis of the disease. There is a need to increase awareness about Vitamin D importance in children’s diet