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Recent reports of an extremely high incidence of autism among Somali children in Minnesota and in Sweden has prompted some experts to theorize that there may be a link between autism and Vitamin D deficiency.  Many Somali parents have blamed vaccinations for the huge incidence of autism among Somali children.  In Somalia, autism is rare and Somalia has no vaccination program.  Somalis are who do receive vaccinations typically get them at refugee camps in Kenya, before emigrating out of Africa.  Because record-keeping is lax in the refugee camps, it is possible for the same vaccinations to be given repeatedly, making Somali refugees subject to receiving far more mercury, aluminum, and other toxins via vaccines than would occur in a better-regulated environment. 

But the rise in autism in Minnesota has largely been among Somali children who were born in the United States.  While it is possible that toxins from vaccines could have been passed from the mother during fetal development, there may be another factor involved.

The rise in the autism incidence among Somali children has been reported in Minnesota and in Sweden (it may indeed be taking place elsewhere but these are the areas where it was first to be noticed).  Because both Minnesota and much of Sweden are areas where wintertime sunlight exposure is minimal, there has been speculation that part of the issue may be Vitamin D deficiency.  The vast majority of the body’s vitamin D (outside of using supplementation) is produced by the skin in response to sunlight exposure.  Therefore, people who live in areas where they may have none to minimal sunlight exposure for extended periods of time (such as the cold months in Minnesota) are prone to Vitamin D deficiency.  It is further speculated that Somalis, because of potential adaptations to the intense sun exposure that would be typical in their home country, might be at particular risk of Vitamin D deficiency when sunlight exposure is restricted.

It is thought that the reason why Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to autism is because Vitamin D plays an important role in the body’s ability to neutralize toxins.  Specifically, it is believed that Vitamin D has a protective effect against the neurotoxicity of mercury, which is one of the primary toxins suspected in the development of autism or autism-like symptoms.  Vitamin D deficiency might explain why some children seem to develop autism symptoms shortly after receiving a series of vaccines with the mercury-containing preservative thimersol, but most do not.  More investigation is needed to get a better understanding of what is happening, but this possible link to Vitamin D deficiency is definitely generating interest. 

It may be that the overall rise in the incidence of autism (not just among Somails) does indeed have ties to Vitamin D deficiency, particularly since we have all been warned repeatedly about the dangers of excessive sun exposure.  The use of sunscreens considerably reduces the production of Vitamin D in the skin, so deficiency could be a factor even in areas where people get plenty of year-round sun exposure.  While getting sunburned is not a good idea, I know some people who won’t step outside for 5 minutes without first slathering on the sunscreen.  It now seems that too much sun avoidance can be as bad as, or maybe worse than, too much sun exposure.

Until more is known about the possible contribution of Vitamin D deficiency to the development of autism, I suggest parents consider providing their children with Vitamin D supplementation, particularly for those living in areas where sun exposure is restricted for extended periods of time, and especially during the years in which children receive the numerous vaccinations that are required in this country. 

Stay tuned to my blog for more on autism.

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