Plasma vitamin levels and pathway analysis in boys with autism spectrum disorders

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit abnormal feeding behaviors and inadequate nutrient intake.
• Understanding the nutritional status, particularly vitamin levels, in children with ASD is crucial for addressing potential health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the plasma vitamin status in boys diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To analyze the correlation between vitamin levels and the severity of ASD symptoms and developmental levels.

Main Methods:

• The study included 45 boys with ASD and 45 typically developing (TD) boys, aged approximately 3.3 years.
• Plasma vitamin levels were assessed using a metabolomics approach.
• Developmental levels were measured using the Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS), and ASD severity was evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).

Main Results:

• Boys with ASD showed significantly higher plasma concentrations of Vitamin B1, nicotinamide, pyridoxamine dihydrochloride, and Vitamin E compared to TD boys.
• No significant differences were observed in overall vitamin metabolic pathways between the ASD and TD groups.
• Nicotinamide and pyridoxamine dihydrochloride levels were negatively correlated with GDS scores, indicating a potential link between these vitamins and development.

Conclusions:

• Plasma vitamin concentrations in boys with ASD were not found to be insufficient when compared to TD boys.
• The findings suggest a complex relationship between vitamin metabolism and ASD, warranting further investigation.
• Additional research is necessary to determine the efficacy and necessity of vitamin nutritional supplements for children with ASD.