Jaundice/Autism link

[spedteacher30]

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/Autism/22663

I really hope that this study doesn't cause hospitals to push formula even more in an attempt to prevent autism--it seems to me just as likely that autistic newborns are more likely to develop jaundice as that jaundiced newborns are more likely to develop autism.

[Carolina Kel]

A link was discovered between Vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of Autism in the migrant Somali community in Sweden. You can read the story here:

http://www.thelocal.se/13064/20080715/

You can also read about the same trend in Minnesota with this article.

The explosion of autism cases does seem to mirror the increase in the amount of parents using sun protection on their children and possible vitamin D deficiencies.

Perhaps instead of pushing formula, they'll recommend vitamin D supplementation, or *gasp* spending time outside in the sun.

[babygirlie]

well.. my baby has been formula fed for the majority of her life and it still looks like she has autism so... whatever

[haydn'smommy]

What confuses me is that all they say in this is "even moderate levels of jaundice." WTHeck is that?!!! I'd like to see some specific numbers.

[St. Margaret]

I was just reading how common a bit of jaundice was, to the point where it shouldn't be considered abnormal or a "problem"-- but I do wonder if that's taking into account how people are so vit D deficient these days? Anyway, I supplement the heck outta vit D right now, while pregnant (with sciatica that's keeping me inside a lot more than normal) and I'll supp vit D to my baby if I feel I need to, esp as it'll be fall/winter and we have a persistent marine layer here. Formula never crossed my mind when I read this headline a few days ago!

[mamadelbosque]

Yet another reason to spend time outside, without freaking sunblock on. It amazes me how many people are *SO* afraid of skin cancer that they never allow themselves time outside to get some rays and let their bodies make some vit d... Absolutely mind boggling.

[proudmomof4]

Originally Posted by mamadelbosque

Yet another reason to spend time outside, without freaking sunblock on. It amazes me how many people are *SO* afraid of skin cancer that they never allow themselves time outside to get some rays and let their bodies make some vit d... Absolutely mind boggling.

Not so long ago, mothers were still encouraged to give "sunbaths" to their babies (expose them to sunlight naked or only in a diaper), preferably on a daily basis. I read this in a book on baby care and nutrition, published in Germany in the 80s.
Seems that we have reached the other end of the spectrum.

[kriket]

at least I get to use the Pirates and Global warming argument again...
Correlation does not imply causation.

and I think I missed the point of your post babygirlie, this .... article... is saying that jaundiced newborns are 90% more likely (preterm newborns) to have autism. I guess there is some sense in that if the billi count is/remains high, there can be brain damage, which may lead to autism. But that seems like stretching. It's also likely that if you throw a rock too hard into a pond, it could bounce off the bottom and hit a duck in the butt. I don't see any concerned ducks.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by kriket

at least I get to use the Pirates and Global warming argument again...
Correlation does not imply causation.

Thank you for bringing the pirates out.

[Xerxella]

Well. I think that sums it up. We should all go be pirates for Halloween and then global warming would really slow down.

Aarrrgggghhhh.

Blimey.

Shiver me timbers.....

[Shanesmom]

Interesting. Thanks for the post. My baby was term AND a bit jaundice......but I'm not worried.

I have never been, and will never be, afraid to expose my 3 month old to the sun. In my opinion,fresh air....sunlight.....and Vit C are the keys to good health

[corrabelle]

Both of my boys were pretty neon-had phototherapy etc. They're fine. Just about every baby i've met has been jaundice for a little while...

I wonder if the mother could supplement with vit d?

I never wear sunblock, and i'm outside a LOT. Yet I am somewhat low on vitamin d, according to my most recent blood work.