“As scientists across the Bay Area work diligently toward a cure for autism, the solution might be right outside their labs, streaming in through the windows,” an article from The Daily Californian begins.

The article is referencing a new study from UC Berkeley that has identified three brain hormones associated with autism – serotonin, oxytocin and vasopressin – all of which are directly regulated by vitamin D. Previous research has shown a correlation between low vitamin D and autism, but these new findings form the “missing link,” or the mechanism explaining the relationship, according to the researchers.

“The developing baby depends on its mom’s vitamin D levels,” study co-author Rhonda Patrick said. “The baby needs the mom to have high-enough levels. Serotonin plays a very important role in shaping the brain’s structure in those early early stages.”

Dr. John Cannell of the Vitamin D Council, who has researched the relationship between vitamin D and autism extensively, called the new research “groundbreaking.”

Click here to read more from The Daily Californian.

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