Children’s mental health was assessed when they were 6–8 years old, and parents reported their child’s psychiatric symptoms using a questionnaire. The findings revealed that children who received a higher dose of vitamin D3 had a lower risk of internalizing problems at school age than those who received a normal dose. In particular, parents reported fewer instances of depressed mood, anxiety, and withdrawn behavior among children in the higher-dose group.
The study highlighted that parents reported clinically significant internalizing problems in 11.8% of children who received the standard dose, while only 5.6% of children who received a triple vitamin D supplement had similar problems.
Samuel SandbogeThe University of Tampere PhD researcher emphasized the possible effects of the results, but noted the need for further research to validate the results. It is important to take into account that the study was based solely on parent-reported psychiatric symptoms and focused on children of Nordic descent living in Finland who already had sufficient vitamin D levels.
The researchers found no significant differences in externalizing problems, such as aggressive behavior and rule breaking, between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no overall differences in the extent of children’s psychiatric symptoms.
Researchers from Tampere University, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki and Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) participated in the joint study. Under Kati Heinonen, assistant professor of developmental psychology at the University of Tampere, the study was conducted to expand knowledge in the field. Samuel Sandboge, a doctor specializing in general medicine and rheumatology, played a significant role in the study.
Although the results are promising, further studies are needed to confirm the correlation between higher vitamin D intake in early childhood and a reduced risk of psychiatric symptoms. Despite this, this study provides valuable insights into the growing body of research investigating the potential impact of vitamin D on mental health outcomes.
HT
Source: The Nordic Page
