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

J Affect Disord. 2021 Feb 15:281:390-396. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.033. Epub 2020 Dec 13.

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).

Limitations: Maternal depressive symptoms in early pregnancy and anxious symptoms were needed to include.

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.

Keywords: Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder; Birth cohort; Prenatal depression; Toddlers; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D Deficiency* / epidemiology

Substances

  • Vitamin D