Abstract

This seminar paper aims to explore the intricate relationship between vitamin D status and brain development, shedding light on the molecular and biological role of this crucial nutrient. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in a wide range of physiological processes, including brain development, making it a vital component for optimal neural functioning. To provide a comprehensive understanding, the paper begins by presenting an overview of vitamin D, including its sources. It then delves into the absorption, metabolism, and functions of vitamin D within the body.

Moving forward, the paper focuses on the impact of vitamin D on brain development during both prenatal and postnatal stages. During prenatal development, vitamin D influences critical processes such as neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. The paper elucidates the intricate relationship between maternal vitamin D levels and fetal brain development, highlighting the importance of adequate prenatal vitamin D exposure.

To provide insights into the underlying mechanisms, the paper investigates potential pathways through which vitamin D exerts its influence on brain development. These include gene regulation, the modulation of neurotrophic factors, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, all of which play crucial roles in shaping neural circuits and supporting cognitive functions.

In conclusion, this seminar paper highlights the profound impact of vitamin D on brain development, emphasizing its role during both prenatal and postnatal stages. It underscores the need for further research in this field to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and the potential therapeutic applications of vitamin D in promoting optimal brain development and preventing neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords: Vitamin D’ Pregnancy; Brain; Neural defect

References

1. Zittermann A. “Vitamin D in preventive medicine: Are we neglecting the evidence?”. British Journal of Nutrition 89 (2003): 552-572.
2. Garland CF., et al. “The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention”. American Journal of Public Health 96 (2006): 252-261.
3. Wagner CL and Hollis BW. “The Implications of Vitamin D Status During Pregnancy on Mother and her Developing Child”. Frontiers in Endocrinology 9 (2018): 500.
4. Bikle D. “Nonclassic actions of vitamin D”. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 94 (2009): 26-34.
5. Holick MF. “McCollum Award Lecture, 1994: Vitamin D - new horizons for the 21st century”. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 60 (1994): 619-630.
6. DeLuca HF and Zierold C. “Mechanisms and functions of vitamin D”. Nutrition Reviews 56.Suppl 2 (1998): S4-S10; discussion S54-S75.
7. Bailey L, West KP and Black RP. “The epidemiology of global micronutrient deficiencies”. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 66 (2015): 22-33.
8. Picciano MF. “Pregnancy and lactation: physiological adjustments, nutritional requirements and the role of dietary supplements”. Journal of Nutrition 133 (2003): 1997S-2002S.
9. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Improving Child Nutrition: The Achievable Imperative for Global Progress. Geneva, Switzerland: UNICEF (2013).
10. Patrick RP and Ames BN. “Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis”. Part 1: Relevance for autism. FASEB Journal 28 (2014): 2398-2413.
11. Patrick RP and Ames BN. “Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior”. FASEB Journal 29 (2015): 2207-2222.
12. Jiang P., et al. “Neurochemical effects of chronic administration of calcitriol in rats”. Nutrients 6 (2014):  6048-6059.
13. Murthi P., et al. “Maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D is inversely correlated with foetal serotonin”. Clinical Endocrinology 86 (2017): 401-409.
14. Janbek J, Specht IO and Heitmann BL. “Associations between vitamin D status in pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment: a systematic literature review”. Nutrition reviews 77.5 (2019): 330-349.
15. Halloran BP and DeLuca HF. “Effect of vitamin D deficiency on fertility and reproductive capacity in the female rat”. Journal of Nutrition 110 (1980): 1573-1580.
16. Kinuta K., et al. “Vitamin D is an important factor in estrogen biosynthesis of both female and male gonads”. Endocrinology 141 (2000): 1317-1324.
17. Crider-Pirkle S., et al. “Cubilin, a binding partner for galectin-3 in the murine utero-placental complex”. Journal of Biological Chemistry 277 (2002): 15904-15912.
18. Viola-Villegas N., et al. “Targeting the cubilin receptor through the vitamin B12 uptake pathway: cytotoxicity and mechanistic insight through fluorescent Re(I) delivery”. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 52 (2009): 5253-5261.
19. Lambot N., et al. “Evidence for a clathrin-mediated recycling of albumin in human term placenta”. Biology of Reproduction 75 (2006): 90-97.
20. Eyles D., et al. “Vitamin D3 and brain development”. Neuroscience 118 (2003): 641-653.
21. Ko P., et al. “Maternal vitamin D3 deprivation and the regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle during rat brain development”. Brain Research: Developmental Brain Research 153 (2004): 61-68.
22. McGrath JJ and Welham JL. “Season of birth and schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from the Southern Hemisphere”. Schizophrenia Research 35 (1999): 237-242.
23. Torrey EF., et al. “Seasonality of births in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a review of the literature”. Schizophrenia Research 28 (1997): 1-38.
24. Bhugra D., et al. “Incidence and outcome of schizophrenia in whites, African-Caribbeans and Asians in London”. Psychological Medicine 27 (1997): 791-798.
25. McGrath J, Selten JP and Chant D. “Long-term trends in sunshine duration and its association with schizophrenia birth rates and age at first registration--data from Australia and the Netherlands”. Schizophrenia Research 54 (2002): 199-212.
26. Becker A., et al. “Transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with subtle alterations in learning and memory functions in adult rats”. Behavioral Brain Research 161 (2005): 306-312.
27. van der Mei., et al. “Past exposure to sun, skin phenotype, and risk of multiple sclerosis: case-control study". BMJ  327.7410 (2003): 316.

Citation

Damilola Mildred Ajayi. “Vitamin D Status and Brain Development". Clareus Scientific Medical Sciences 1.1 (2024): 03-08.

Copyright

2024 Damilola Mildred Ajayi. Licensee Clareus Scientific Publications. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.