Vitamin D delivered via nanoemulsion was more effective than standard supplementation in improving language and social skills in young children with autism. Digest
Many young children with autism spectrum disorder struggle with language delays and social challenges, and while low vitamin D levels are reported in this population, prior studies of vitamin D supplementation show mixed results. In a new study, a team of researchers in Egypt explored whether the delivery method of vitamin D affects its impact.
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The study included 80 children with autism, ages 3 to 6. Half received vitamin D3 in the form of a nanoemulsion, a tiny droplet-based delivery system designed to enhance absorption. The other half received a common vitamin D3 supplement. Both groups took 1,400 IU per day for six months. The researchers assessed autism severity, social and language abilities, and measured two forms of vitamin D in the blood:
Here's what the researchers observed:
- Children who received the nanoemulsion had higher levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, the main circulating form of vitamin D.
- The active hormonal form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, also increased in both groups, but ended up at similar levels regardless of which product was used.
- Only the children given the nanoemulsion showed a measurable reduction in autism severity scores.
- Only the nanoemulsion group showed improvements in Social IQ scores and language development, particularly in expressive language (speaking).
These results suggest that how vitamin D is absorbed makes a difference, particularly in children with ASD, who may have trouble processing it due to altered gut metabolism. Nanoemulsions use extremely small droplets and special ingredients that help vitamin D dissolve and pass through the intestinal lining more easily. This may increase how much vitamin D reaches the bloodstream, and ultimately, the brain, where it plays a role in nerve cell protection, inflammation control, and neurotransmitter balance.
This is the first clinical study to compare nanoemulsion and standard vitamin D3 in children with autism. The results suggest that switching to a better-absorbed form helps improve autism symptoms. Still, the sample was relatively small, and longer studies are needed to determine whether the benefits persist over time. Explore the broad health benefits of vitamin D in our in-depth topic article.