Aslı KARAKILIÇ, Çağla Bahar BÜLBÜL HANEDAR, Simge TEZEL YOZGAT, Emrah ÖZCAN
Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences - 2026;10(3):350-359
Purpose: In recent years, there has been increasing evidence demonstrating the effects on behavior of vitaminD as a "neurosteroid". Pregnancy is a vulnerable period for vitaminD deficiency. Some structural changes occur in the social brain regions and also disgust sensitivity increases in this period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum vitaminD levels on both empathy and disgust sensitivity in early pregnancy. Material and Methods: 33 pregnant women whose serum vitaminD levels were previously checked during the first 20 weeks were included in the study. Disgust sensitivity and empathy scores were obtained via self-report scales. Results: The core and total disgust sensitivity scores of the low vitaminD group were significantly higher (p=0.033 and p=0.002, respectively). Serum vitaminD levels were negatively correlated with core and total disgust sensitivity scores (p=0.014, r=-0.423 and p=0.002, r=-0.518, respectively). Total and emotional empathy scores were positively correlated with disgust sensitivity scores (p=0.038, r=0.363 and p=0.001, r=0.440, respectively). Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary evidence for a potential association between serum vitamin D levels and affective behavioral responses during early pregnancy. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with increased disgust sensitivity, highlighting a potentially important link between neuroendocrine factors and behavioral adaptations during pregnancy. Future prospective studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of these associations.
