Exploring the links between nutrition, gut microbiome, and neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emerge during early childhood, affecting cognitive and behavioral health and motor development. While genetic factors contribute to the onset of ASD, recent studies highlight the significant role of environmental factors, particularly nutrition, in influencing the severity and manifestation of symptoms, primarily through the gut microbiome. This review explores how dietary imbalances, such as the consumption of ultra-processed foods, disrupt gastrointestinal health and microbiome composition, which in turn impact neurodevelopmental outcomes. It further explores the gut-brain axis and how early-life exposures, along with dietary and environmental factors, play a significant role in shaping brain development. The review concludes by underscoring the potential of a deeper understanding of these interactions to pave the way for more effective interventions aimed at improving developmental outcomes in children with ASD and other related NDDs. Key findings reveal that specific gut microbiota imbalances, such as a reduction in Bifidobacterium, are commonly associated with ASD. Additionally, dietary patterns like the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets show promise in supporting cognitive function and promoting neurodevelopment. Maternal nutrition, stress, and epigenetic factors during early life are also shown to influence brain development, contributing to gut dysbiosis, neuroinflammation, and the development of NDDs. To enhance our understanding of NDDs, future research should focus on large-scale longitudinal studies, maternal nutrition, and integrative multi-omics approaches.