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Supplement intervention associated with nutritional deficiencies in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review

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Abstract

Purpose

Nutritional supplements have been used for correction of deficiencies that may occur in patient with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to improve core symptoms. We aim to provide current best evidence about supplements for nutritional deficiencies and core symptoms in children with ASD and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety.

Methods

A systematic literature search of scientific databases was performed to retrieve relevant randomized controlled trials. Risk of bias was assessed for each study.

Results

18 randomized controlled trials of five supplements were included. B6/Mg was not helpful for improving ASD symptoms (seven RCTs). Two RCTs of methyl B12 reported some improvement in ASD severity but the effects on the correction of deficiencies were inconclusive. Two RCTs of vitamin D3 both reported increased levels of mean 25(OH)D in serum but inconsistent results in behavioral outcomes. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation did not affect ASD behaviors but may correct deficiencies (six RCTs). One RCT of folinic acid reported positive results in improving ASD symptoms measured by various behavioral scales.

Conclusions

Current evidence for the use of supplements for correcting nutritional deficiencies in children with ASD and to improve the symptoms is little. More studies are needed.

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Acknowledgements

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China

    Yong-Jiang Li & Da-Xiong Xiang

  2. Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China

    Yong-Jiang Li & Da-Xiong Xiang

  3. Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China

    Ya-Min Li

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Y-JL and D-XX defined the focus of the review. All authors searched and screened the papers for inclusion. Y-JL summarized included papers. All authors contributed to quality assessment of included papers. Y-JL drafted the manuscript. All authors contributed to reviewing the manuscript and read and approved the submitted version.

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Correspondence to Da-Xiong Xiang.

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Li, YJ., Li, YM. & Xiang, DX. Supplement intervention associated with nutritional deficiencies in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. Eur J Nutr 57, 2571–2582 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-017-1528-6

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