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Exploring the relationship between Vitamin D levels and Autism Spectrum Disorders among Hispanic children in South Texas
It is understood that ASDs are multifactorial in etiology including environmental and genetic components. Recently, interest has built surrounding the association between Vitamin D and ASDs. Studies have found lower Vitamin D levels among those with ASDs. There are several theories surrounding how Vitamin D plays a role including its antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory properties, and promoting of DNA repair. It is important that continued studies investigate the association of Vitamin D deficiency and ASDs to understand ASD pathogenesis, potential prevention, and treatment. Recent studies found lower levels or intake of Vitamin D among Hispanic women compared to non-Hispanic White women.
The Hispanic Autism Research Center (HARC) maintains a biorepository containing samples from Hispanic children with ASDs, their biological mothers, and appropriate controls. To explore this relationship we will be analyzing serum samples to assess Vitamin D levels. We will present preliminary statistical analysis from 15 case-control pairs of children with ASDs and their mothers.
Based on our findings we will determine if the association between Vitamin D deficiency and ASDs is trending towards significance among the Hispanic population which could impact future research and health education and policy in this specific minority population.
Learning Areas:
Basic medical science applied in public healthEnvironmental health sciences
Epidemiology
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Describe the importance of evaluating Vitamin D levels in Hispanic children with ASD’s.
Compare Vitamin D levels between 15 case-control pairs of Hispanic children with ASDs and typically developing children from South Texas.
Keyword(s): Health Disparities/Inequities, Child Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a research fellow with the Hispanic Autism Research Center at the University of Texas Health Science Center Regional Campus in South Texas. My interests include health disparities in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and the role of nutrition in ASDs.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.