Vitamin D deficiency is common in the adult population. We have an ongoing program of research to examine the effects of hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy and in adulthood in animal models. The focus of my presentation will be on the mechanism by which vitamin D, a steroid hormone with diverse physiological roles, can influence brain function and behaviour.
We have examined gestational and adult vitamin D deficiency in a number of different rodent models and investigated levels of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in whole brain, as well as key enzymes involved with their synthesis.
We have convergent evidence that the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters is affected during periods of vitamin D deficiency. We also have data to show that there are subtle but persistent effects on behaviours with relevance to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia and altered cognitive function.
This research has translatable implications for public health because vitamin D is a modifiable risk factor and vitamin D supplementation is safe and cheap and could be addressed within the framework of recommendations for the consumption of other key nutrients.
