The role of neonatal vitamin D in the association of prenatal depression with toddlers ADHD symptoms: a birth cohort study

The role of neonatal vitamin D in the association of prenatal depression with toddlers ADHD symptoms: a birth cohort study

Highlight: 基于出生队列研究发现，新生儿脐血维生素D水平可能是缓解母亲孕期抑郁情绪症状影响子代注意缺陷多动障碍的重要潜在因素。

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D has been demonstrated a “neuroprotective” effect, but it is unclear whether early-life adequate vitamin D protect adverse neurodevelopment. We aimed to examine the role of neonatal vitamin D in the association of maternal depression (MD) symptoms with toddlers ADHD.

Methods: Participants included 1 125 mother-infant pairs from the China-Anhui Birth Cohort study.MD was assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at 30-34 gestational weeks. Toddlers ADHD was reported by the Conners’ Hyperactivity Index (CHI) at 48-54 months postpartum. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the association of maternal depressive score and toddlers ADHD while cord blood 25(OH)D levels were stratified.

Results: Toddlers of mothers with higher depression score were at higher risk of ADHD (20.1% vs 11.1%, P = 0.003; adjusted RR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.10-2.81). Among toddlers with neonatal vitamin D deficiency (VDD), ADHD risk was significantly increased with maternal MD (adjusted RR=3.74, 95% CI: 1.49-9.41), but the association was not found in toddlers with neonatal vitamin D adequacy (VDA). Compared to toddlers without MD, toddlers with both MD and neonatal VDD had higher risk of ADHD (adjusted RR=3.10, 95% CI: 1.44-6.63). But the risk did not significantly increase in toddlers with MD and neonatal VDA (adjusted RR=1.53, 95% CI: 0.86-2.72).

Conclusion: This prospective study indicated that the detrimental effect of maternal prenatal depressive symptoms on offspring’s ADHD symptoms strengthened in toddlers with neonatal VDD.

Ma SS, Zhu DM, Yin WJ, Hao JH,  Huang K, Tao FB, Tao RX, Zhu P*.The role of neonatal vitamin D in the association of prenatal depression with toddlers ADHD symptoms: A birth cohort study. J Affect Disord, 2021, 15, 281: 390-396.