Potential importance of supplementation with zinc for autism spectrum disorder

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for cellular proliferation and subsequent body and brain development. Zinc deficiency is becoming a major public health issue equally in under-developed and developed countries. The lack of sufficient zinc, whether related to environmental or internal factors, is an important environmental stressor that is eligible to become elucidated as a contributing factor for the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this manuscript is to briefly overview available data regarding the relationship of zinc deficiency with the development of ASD and to relate these data with currently known pathogenetic mechanisms of this disorder namely brain growth disturbances and neuropeptides secretion. Zinc deficiency impacts brain connectivity and growth and alters adequate neurotransmission. In addition, zinc deficiency may indirectly act on the brain by disturbing the immune system and by altering the normal gut-brain connection. Zinc seems to be important for the social effect of neuropeptides. Zinc supplementation in pregnant women and newborn children with the aim of preventing ASD needs further consideration.