Disgust Sensitivity Correlates With Empathy And Serum Vitamin D Levels in Early Pregnancy

Background and 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.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. The 2D/4D digit ratio was also measured.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). 2D/4D digit ratio was not correlated to any of the parameters.Conclusion:The routine measurement of vitaminD in early pregnancy and ensuring optimum levels with vitaminD supplementation in pregnant women with low levels may be beneficial in preventing excessive disgust sensitivity.