Browse: Home / Vitamin D / Winter nookie increases the risk of having an autistic child

Menu

Skip to content
  • About
  • Better Body Chemistry School
  • Book a health conversation
  • Speaking query
  • The “Big” Spoons
Header image

BBC

Small things can make a big difference to your health

advertisement

Menu

Skip to content
  • Home
  • Free Resources
    • 31 days to Better Body Chemistry
    • Willpower Report
    • Weight loss e-course
    • The ups and downs of insulin resistance
    • Candy Floss Boards
    • Weight tracker
  • Library
  • Shop
  • Baobab Adventures
  • Lucky dip
  • Buy me a coffee
  • Video gallery
  • Contact

Winter nookie increases the risk of having an autistic child

Posted by Dr Sandy on in Vitamin D | 338 Views | 1 Response

winter conception increases autism riskThe autism stats are horrific – more and more families find their bundle of joy, turning into a bundle of terror, as they face the heart ache of raising a little one, that doesn’t really fit into the world.

No one really knows why

Lots of people are looking, but the answer seems to be elusive.

Probably because it is not a simple x causes autism. It takes a combination of genes and environment, not quite working right, to interfere with normal brain development.

You can’t send in for a new set of genes, but it is possible to modify the environment.

But what should you change to decrease the chances of an autism diagnosis in your family ?

California babies

Researchers at the University of California examined the birth records of the 7.2 million babies, born in California in the period January 1990 through to December 2002 looking for clues.

In the study, they tracked the Californian babies until they reached the age of 6 years.

The records of 6.6 million children were included in the analysis. 19 000 of the children received a “full syndrome” autism diagnosis.

Analysis of the numbers showed….

Autism is a winter phenomenon

When the baby was made, changed the odds of an autism diagnosis.

Babies conceived during winter had a much higher likelihood of suffering from autism, than their summer counterparts. And, lots of babies get their start on a cold winter night, as bedroom exercises help fight the winter chills.

The most dangerous month to be making a baby in California was March, which corresponds with the end of their winter. But the risk of having a child with autism rose steadily as winter rolled on.

NOTE : If you live in the southern hemisphere, the danger zone will shift to September.

What is happening in winter ?

It is cold.

The researchers speculate that winter is a time of close encounters with “flu bugs”, because they like the cold, and suggest that exposure to seasonal viruses like influenza may contribute.

But the big problem in winter is NO SUN.

Okay, it still rises everyday like clockwork, but it doesn’t pack much of a punch.

Specifically it doesn’t pack much punch in terms of nuking the cholesterol in your skin into vitamin D.

Lack of vitamin D part of the autism conundrum ?

Report after report suggests most of us don’t get enough vitamin D.

Shortages of vitamin D cause

  • Bad bones
  • Bad immunity
  • Bad blood vessels
  • Bad metabolism
  • Poor fertility

Why not bad brains ?

Autism is partly caused by genes and partly caused by environmental factors, so a shortage of this vital vitamin, coupled with certain genes could cause trouble with brain development.

Baby assembly 101

If you’re contemplating making a baby on a cold winter’s night, make sure that the factory has all the supplies.

Ones to stock up on ……….

  • Folic acid
  • Omega 3

And

Vitamin D

Bumping up vitamin D levels to optimum levels will improve your health as well as that of your unborn baby.

Month of Conception and Risk of Autism. Epidemiology (2011) In press. Ousseny Zerbo, Ana-Maria Iosif, Lora Delwiche, Cheryl Walker, Irva Hertz-Picciotto.

Vitamin D and autism. Medical Hypothesis (2008) 70(4)750-759. JJ. Cannell

Further reading

lizard basking in the sun
vitamin D being washed down the drain
sperm carrying altered fat genes
Tap into a little lizard wisdom for better health  Are you washing your vitamin D down the drain ? Does obesity  begin in the bedroom not the kitchen ? 

Better body chemistry for expectant moms

Did yIf you are an expectant Mom or know someone that is – invite them to participate, so they can create Better Body Chemistry during their pregnancy and raise a HAPPY HEALTHY little one.

Expecting ?
* indicates required

Close

Did you learn something new or do you have a different perspective ? I’d love to hear from you so post me a comment below…..

Posted in Vitamin D | Tagged autism, sun

Instagram

betterbodychemistry
@betterbodychemistry
Follow
LOW cholesterol isn’t automatically safe.

That’s the curveball.

We focus so hard on lowering LDL…
we forget it’s doing a job.

And midlife is when these conversations start showing up —
cholesterol, statins, shifting risk.

If this is on your radar…
there’s a free Navigating the Middle Years bundle open right now.

50+ resources on midlife health, hormones and what’s actually going on.

⏳ Closes tomorrow

Hop inside, you'll find the link in bio.

#midlifehealth #menopausehealth #womenshealthover40
#cholesterol #statins #ldl #hearthealth
#metabolichealth #biologymatters
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
LOW cholesterol isn’t automatically safe. That’s the curveball. We focus so hard on lowering LDL… we forget it’s doing a job. And midlife is when these conversations start showing up — cholesterol, statins, shifting risk. If this is on your radar… there’s a free Navigating the Middle Years bundle open right now. 50+ resources on midlife health, hormones and what’s actually going on. ⏳ Closes tomorrow Hop inside, you'll find the link in bio. #midlifehealth #menopausehealth #womenshealthover40 #cholesterol #statins #ldl #hearthealth #metabolichealth #biologymatters
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
You know that phase where things just feel a bit… off? 👀 Like what used to work for your body and health just doesn’t anymore, but you’re not totally sure what to do about it? Yeah. That one.

I am so excited to announce that my workshop, Cholesterol Curveball: What Women Need to Know, is officially part of the Navigating The Middle Years Bundle! If you've been feeling confused or overwhelmed by your changing cholesterol numbers during midlife, I created this specifically to give you practical, no-fluff answers.

Even better, I’ve teamed up with a group of amazing creators to include my workshop alongside 50+ other resources designed exactly for this stage of life. The bundle covers: ✨ energy + health (including my cholesterol workshop!) ✨ confidence + boundaries ✨ “what now?” clarity ✨ practical next steps

🎁 It’s completely free (for a limited time).

Head to the link in my bio to grab your free copy before it's gone!

#CholesterolManagement
#WomensHeartHealth
#HighCholesterol
#MenopauseHealth
#PerimenopauseHealth
#MidlifeWomen
#NavigatingMidlife
#WellnessJourney
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
You know that phase where things just feel a bit… off? 👀 Like what used to work for your body and health just doesn’t anymore, but you’re not totally sure what to do about it? Yeah. That one. I am so excited to announce that my workshop, Cholesterol Curveball: What Women Need to Know, is officially part of the Navigating The Middle Years Bundle! If you've been feeling confused or overwhelmed by your changing cholesterol numbers during midlife, I created this specifically to give you practical, no-fluff answers. Even better, I’ve teamed up with a group of amazing creators to include my workshop alongside 50+ other resources designed exactly for this stage of life. The bundle covers: ✨ energy + health (including my cholesterol workshop!) ✨ confidence + boundaries ✨ “what now?” clarity ✨ practical next steps 🎁 It’s completely free (for a limited time). Head to the link in my bio to grab your free copy before it's gone! #CholesterolManagement #WomensHeartHealth #HighCholesterol #MenopauseHealth #PerimenopauseHealth #MidlifeWomen #NavigatingMidlife #WellnessJourney
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
There is still time to catch my session and tune into all the other amazing presentations happening inside the Bloom & Be Summit. 

Its a free virtual Self-Care Experience for anyone who wants growth, joy, and intentional living…but doesn’t resonate with hustle culture or rigid routines. 

This experience is about small, meaningful shifts that expand your capacity…not overwhelm it.

NOTE : You don’t have to watch everything. You don’t have to change everything. You’re allowed to move gently.

If you’re ready for self-care that meets you where you are, Bloom + Be might be exactly what you need.

Join us March 24–26 (🔗in-bio)

#BloomAndBeSummit #SweetDreams #NightRoutine #BedtimeRitual #SelfCareSummit #RestfulSleep #GentleLiving #FireflyKisses #WindDown #DeepSleep
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
There is still time to catch my session and tune into all the other amazing presentations happening inside the Bloom & Be Summit. Its a free virtual Self-Care Experience for anyone who wants growth, joy, and intentional living…but doesn’t resonate with hustle culture or rigid routines. This experience is about small, meaningful shifts that expand your capacity…not overwhelm it. NOTE : You don’t have to watch everything. You don’t have to change everything. You’re allowed to move gently. If you’re ready for self-care that meets you where you are, Bloom + Be might be exactly what you need. Join us March 24–26 (🔗in-bio) #BloomAndBeSummit #SweetDreams #NightRoutine #BedtimeRitual #SelfCareSummit #RestfulSleep #GentleLiving #FireflyKisses #WindDown #DeepSleep
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
If you’ve been craving self-care that actually supports your real life…this is for you.

Bloom + Be: A Gentle Self-Care Experience is a free, 3-day virtual self-care event happening March 24-26, created for creative, kindhearted women who want more joy, clarity, and momentum…without hustle culture or pressure.

This isn’t about adding more to your to-do list.

It’s about caring for your mind, body, and energy in ways that help you feel lighter and more connected to yourself.

Come exactly as you are. Take what helps. Leave the rest.

Free tickets are available now (🔗in-bio)

#BloomAndBe
#BloomAndBeSummit
#SleepBetter
#FallAsleepFast
#SleepScience
#MindBodySoul
#SlowLiving
#NourishYourself
#HolisticWellness
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
If you’ve been craving self-care that actually supports your real life…this is for you. Bloom + Be: A Gentle Self-Care Experience is a free, 3-day virtual self-care event happening March 24-26, created for creative, kindhearted women who want more joy, clarity, and momentum…without hustle culture or pressure. This isn’t about adding more to your to-do list. It’s about caring for your mind, body, and energy in ways that help you feel lighter and more connected to yourself. Come exactly as you are. Take what helps. Leave the rest. Free tickets are available now (🔗in-bio) #BloomAndBe #BloomAndBeSummit #SleepBetter #FallAsleepFast #SleepScience #MindBodySoul #SlowLiving #NourishYourself #HolisticWellness
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Everyone fears sugar spikes… but almost no one realises sugar crashes shake your blood vessels too.
Inside your bloodstream, stability matters more than perfection.

Agent Vaso is the quiet operator keeping your flow steady — until things drop faster than he can respond.

If you want more molecule-level stories that help you understand what’s actually happening in your body, follow along.

This is the biology no one ever teaches you.

#sugarcrash
#hypoglycemia
#bloodflow
#endothelium
#vascularhealth
#bloodvessels
#healthyflow
#glucoselevels
#glycemicvariability
#betterbodychemistry

#betterbodychemisty
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
Everyone fears sugar spikes… but almost no one realises sugar crashes shake your blood vessels too. Inside your bloodstream, stability matters more than perfection. Agent Vaso is the quiet operator keeping your flow steady — until things drop faster than he can respond. If you want more molecule-level stories that help you understand what’s actually happening in your body, follow along. This is the biology no one ever teaches you. #sugarcrash #hypoglycemia #bloodflow #endothelium #vascularhealth #bloodvessels #healthyflow #glucoselevels #glycemicvariability #betterbodychemistry #betterbodychemisty
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
If you enjoy understanding your chemistry instead of guessing, come hang out in my world.

👉 Follow @betterbodychemistry
👉 Join my weekly email list - you will find the link in my bio

#nocturia #nighttimepee #sleephealth #hearthealth #fluidretention #metabolichealth #insulinresistance #betterbodychemistry #scienceexplained #healthscience #overactivebladder #sleepbetter #agingwell
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
If you enjoy understanding your chemistry instead of guessing, come hang out in my world. 👉 Follow @betterbodychemistry 👉 Join my weekly email list - you will find the link in my bio #nocturia #nighttimepee #sleephealth #hearthealth #fluidretention #metabolichealth #insulinresistance #betterbodychemistry #scienceexplained #healthscience #overactivebladder #sleepbetter #agingwell
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
I’ve spent a long time trying to figure out how to explain what I actually do in a way that feels honest — not salesy, not dramatic, and not simplified to the point of being wrong.

What I finally landed on is something I call Unlocking Better Body Chemistry.

It’s not a program or a protocol.
It’s a way of looking at health problems — especially metabolic ones — that focuses on why things aren’t responding, instead of just chasing symptoms.

Most people I talk to are already doing a lot of “right” things.
They’re just doing them without a clear understanding of how their own body is functioning.

This framework is how I make sense of bloodwork, symptoms, and context together — and how I help people stop guessing about what actually matters.

I’ve put it all into a page so it’s clear, grounded, and easy to read.

If you’re curious, you can read it here. (link in first comment)

#signatureframework #metabolichealth #healthframework #healthwithoutthehype
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
I’ve spent a long time trying to figure out how to explain what I actually do in a way that feels honest — not salesy, not dramatic, and not simplified to the point of being wrong. What I finally landed on is something I call Unlocking Better Body Chemistry. It’s not a program or a protocol. It’s a way of looking at health problems — especially metabolic ones — that focuses on why things aren’t responding, instead of just chasing symptoms. Most people I talk to are already doing a lot of “right” things. They’re just doing them without a clear understanding of how their own body is functioning. This framework is how I make sense of bloodwork, symptoms, and context together — and how I help people stop guessing about what actually matters. I’ve put it all into a page so it’s clear, grounded, and easy to read. If you’re curious, you can read it here. (link in first comment) #signatureframework #metabolichealth #healthframework #healthwithoutthehype
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
If your liver folded watching this — you’re exactly who I talk to every week.

Not your standard eat less and move more advice.
Not wellness fluff.
Biochemistry.

Join the Better Body Chemistry list.
📩 Link in bio.

#fattyliver
#insulinresistance
#metabolichealth
#alcoholandhealth
#metabolicstress
#insulinresistant
#metabolichealthtips
#NAFLD
#betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
If your liver folded watching this — you’re exactly who I talk to every week. Not your standard eat less and move more advice. Not wellness fluff. Biochemistry. Join the Better Body Chemistry list. 📩 Link in bio. #fattyliver #insulinresistance #metabolichealth #alcoholandhealth #metabolicstress #insulinresistant #metabolichealthtips #NAFLD #betterbodychemistry
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Your body isn’t misbehaving.
Its clocks are out of sync.

Every cell runs a molecular timekeeper — CLOCK, BMAL, PER and CRY — driving your energy, appetite, sleep pressure and mood.

When those clocks drift, everything feels “off,” and people blame willpower instead of timing.
If you want science that explains your biology (not wellness slogans), link in bio to join my email list

#circadianrhythm #molecularclock #CLOCK #BMAL #PER #CRY #circadianbiology #bodyclock #metabolism #timing #BetterBodyChemistry
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
Your body isn’t misbehaving. Its clocks are out of sync. Every cell runs a molecular timekeeper — CLOCK, BMAL, PER and CRY — driving your energy, appetite, sleep pressure and mood. When those clocks drift, everything feels “off,” and people blame willpower instead of timing. If you want science that explains your biology (not wellness slogans), link in bio to join my email list #circadianrhythm #molecularclock #CLOCK #BMAL #PER #CRY #circadianbiology #bodyclock #metabolism #timing #BetterBodyChemistry
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
  • Popular
  • Featured
  • Recent
  • asprosin the sugar plum fairy

    Why sugar levels are high despite NOT eating

    23078 views / Posted
  • oatmeal breakfast being beaten by egg

    Which is a better breakfast, egg or oatmeal ?

    22821 views / Posted
  • poop getting stuck

    The fix for constipation is to go on a low fibre diet

    22523 views / Posted
  • chewing gum relieving postoperative ileus

    A stick of chewing gum gets the gut going after surgery

    17007 views / Posted
  • carbonated water bubbles fill you up

    Fizzing up the water flattens your appetite

    15886 views / Posted
  • sun extracting cholesterol

    Make sure you have your “annual” check-up in the summer time

    / Dr Sandy
  • sending your kid to bootcamp won't stop childhood obesity

    Moving more won’t stop your kid from getting fat

    / Dr Sandy
  • cholesterol at the scene of the accident

    Bone cells are stiffening up your arteries not cholesterol

    / Dr Sandy
  • brain size the problem in ADHD

    Are kids with ADHD just acting according to their brain age

    / Dr Sandy
  • plastering the blood vessel with calcium

    Calcium supplements are building bones and breaking hearts

    / Dr Sandy
  • Plant baring hamburgers

    Does Soy Build Muscle? Exploring the Science Behind Protein Choices

    / Dr Sandy
  • img-36

    The Dark Side of Weight Loss Drugs

    / Dr Sandy
  • Mother Nature stealing from peter to pay paul

    Are You Losing Muscle Without Realizing It? Here’s How to Protect It

    / Dr Sandy
  • img-38

    Your Resting Heart Rate could be a Red Flag for Metabolic Trouble

    / Dr Sandy
  • baby muscle mesmerized by the TV

    Tots watching too much TV end up being muscle flops

    / Dr Sandy

RSS Recent posts

 
 
 

Categories

Featured posts

  • asprosin the sugar plum fairy

    Why sugar levels are high despite NOT eating

    23078 views / Posted
  • oatmeal breakfast being beaten by egg

    Which is a better breakfast, egg or oatmeal ?

    22821 views / Posted
  • poop getting stuck

    The fix for constipation is to go on a low fibre diet

    22523 views / Posted
 

©2011-2025 Spoonful of Science

Menu

  • Meet Dr Sandy
  • Disclosure/disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Comment policy
  • Contact