Determination of Vitamin D3, B12, Calcium and Iron in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Sulaymaniyah City/ Iraq

Dimen Hameed Karim; Mohammed Fadhil Haddad

doi:10.56286/fv1jc053

Authors

Dimen Hameed Karim Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Health Science, Hawler Medical University, 44001 Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8040-1531
Mohammed Fadhil Haddad Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Mosul Medical Technical Institute, Northern Technical University, 41002 Mosul, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9319-6502

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56286/fv1jc053

Keywords:

ASD, Calcium, Iron, Micronutrients

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition involving social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D3, B12, calcium, and iron, may influence ASD severity. This cross-sectional study included 140 children aged 2-15 years (90 with ASD, 50 controls) in Sulaimanya, Iraq. Serum levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence and photometric assays. Compared to controls, ASD children had significantly lower vitamin D3 (20.64 vs. 23.91 ng/ml, P≤0.042), B12 (525.36 vs. 632.60 pg/ml, P≤0.035), and iron (74.63 vs. 90.00 μg/dL, P≤0.041), with no calcium difference. Mild ASD cases showed higher vitamin D3, calcium, and iron than moderate and severe groups. Positive correlations were found between vitamin D3 and B12 (Rho=0.335, P≤0.001) and between vitamin D3 and calcium (Rho=0.279, P≤0.008). Findings suggest targeted supplementation could improve micronutrient status and potentially alleviate ASD symptoms.

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