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Review
. 2022 Jul 14;14(14):2896.
doi: 10.3390/nu14142896.

Amino Acids, B Vitamins, and Choline May Independently and Collaboratively Influence the Incidence and Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Laurel Jennings  1 , Raedeh Basiri  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Amino Acids, B Vitamins, and Choline May Independently and Collaboratively Influence the Incidence and Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Laurel Jennings et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder of variable severity, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior. In 2018, the incidence of ASD was 2.4 times higher than estimated in 2000. Behavior and brain development abnormalities are present in the complex disorder of ASD. Nutritional status plays a key role in the incidence and severity of the core symptoms of ASD. The aim of this study was to review the available peer-reviewed studies that evaluated the relationship between amino acids, choline, B vitamins, and ASD incidence and/or severity of symptoms. Through examining plasma profiles, urine samples, and dietary intake, researchers found that low choline, abnormal amino acid, and low B vitamin levels were present in children with ASD compared to those without ASD. The evidence supports the need for future research that implements simultaneous supplementation of all essential nutrients in individuals with ASD and among prenatal mothers. Future evidence could lead to scientific breakthroughs, ultimately reducing the rates of ASD incidence and severity of symptoms by applying nutritional interventions in at-risk populations.

Keywords: ASD incidence; ASD symptoms; B12; B6; amino acids; autism; autism spectrum disorder; choline; folate; vitamin B.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The interrelationship between choline, B vitamins, amino acids, and important neurotransmitters in ASD.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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