The effect of vitamin D supplementation in treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Study answer

What this study found

Vitamin D supplementation did not improve core autism spectrum disorder symptoms, but it showed a beneficial effect for hyperactivity. Pooled effects were not significant for social interaction (MD -1.54, 95% CI -4.09 to 1.01; p = 0.24), communication (MD -0.05, 95% CI -1.79 to 1.69; p = 0.96), or repetitive and restricted behaviors (MD 0.85, 95% CI -0.33 to 2.02; p = 0.16). Hyperactivity improved modestly (MD -3.20, 95% CI -6.06 to -0.34; p = 0.03). All trials reported vitamin D as well tolerated, with adverse effects that were not serious and were comparable between groups.

Study & population

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in children younger than 18 years with autism spectrum disorder.

Intervention

Active treatment was oral cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).

Key limitation

Evidence was limited by a small number of randomized trials and a modest total sample size.

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Original abstract