The effect of nutritional interventions reducing oxidative stress on behavioural and gastrointestinal problems in autism spectrum disorder.

This review looked at studies testing vitamins and supplements that fight cell damage in autistic people. Most studies found these supplements helped with autism symptoms and stomach problems, with no serious side effects. However, researchers say more studies are needed to know exactly how well these supplements work.

This systematic review examined 24 studies (9 clinical trials, 15 animal studies) investigating nutritional interventions that reduce oxidative stress in autism spectrum disorder. The review found that individuals with autism show increased oxidative stress markers and decreased antioxidant enzymes. Most studies reported statistically significant improvements in ASD symptoms with antioxidant supplementation compared to placebo, with no serious side effects observed. However, the authors emphasize that more interventional studies are needed to determine precise effects of oxidative stress-reducing nutritional supplementation on behavioral and gastrointestinal problems in autism.

Antioxidant supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits for autism symptoms with good safety profile. However, more rigorous clinical trials needed before definitive treatment recommendations. Healthcare providers should consider individual assessment of oxidative stress status when evaluating potential interventions.

Only 9 clinical trials included among 24 studies, with 15 being animal studies. Authors note more interventional studies needed to determine precise effects. Specific details about study quality, participant characteristics, and effect sizes not provided in abstract.

Although the exact cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is a neurodevelopmental disorder, is not known, it is thought that environmental factors are also effective in addition to genetic risk factors. Studies are showing an increase in oxidative stress markers and a decrease in some antioxidant enzymes in individuals with autism. This study aims to try to explain the effect of nutritional interventions that reduce oxidative stress on behavioural and gastrointestinal problems in ASD based on a literature review. All relevant studies from 2000 to 2021 were identified through a systematic search in the PubMed and Web of Science databases by using key search terms.

A systematic search of the electronic databases resulted in a total of 3235 potential articles, and data were extracted from 24 studies. There were 9 clinical trials and 15 animal studies. Most studies find statistically significant results for nutritional supplementation compared with placebo ASD symptoms. Most studies on the interventions of nutritional supplements that reduce oxidative stress in individuals with ASD have found improving effects on ASD symptoms, and no serious side effects have been observed.

However, more interventional studies are needed to determine the precise effects of oxidative stress-reducing nutritional supplementation.