Low Levels of Choline, B Vitamins, and Abnormal Amino Acids Observed in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by | Sep 19, 2022 | Amino Acids, Autism, Choline, Infant and Children's Health, Vitamin B - General

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. Evaluating 15 studies centered on nutritional markers and abnormalities present in children with ASD noted lower levels of choline, vitamins B6 and B12, and abnormal amino acids profiles. Various studies show that increasing and balancing nutritional levels may help reduce symptom severity of ASD. 

autism - brain healthAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired social interaction, abnormal communication and repetitive behavior1. The prevalence of ASD was about five per 10,000 individuals in 1980s, but recent estimates in the U.S. suggest that it now effects one in 68 individuals2. Autism onset occurs in the early developmental period, prior to age 3 years3. Distinctive symptoms of ASD are deficit in social behaviors and nonverbal interactions such as avoidance of eye contact, inability to control emotion, facial expression, and body gestures4.

Nutritional supplements are often used to treat core ASD symptoms to correct micronutrient deficiencies and support metabolic processes such as redox regulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and melatonin production5. An estimated 60-90% of children on the autism spectrum are not meeting adequate intake levels of choline, an essential precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which has a central role in signaling pathways that govern sensorimotor functions6. Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, is essential for normal neurodevelopment and defects in folate metabolism can cause physiological abnormalities associated with ASD7. Lastly, inhibition of mTOR is shown to improve ASD-associated behavior which can be effectively modified by amino acids, with the ability to inhibit inflammation, improve gut barrier function, and modify the microbiota composition8.

Jennings et al. conducted a study to assess the effects of nutritional status and supplementation on the occurrence and severity of ASD symptoms. Inclusion criteria consisted of English peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2022 observing the effects of choline, B vitamins, and amino acids levels and supplementation on ASD incidence and/or symptoms. 15 articles were included in the study. Nutritional status was examined through plasma profiles, urine samples, and dietary intake.

Analysis of the included studies show that children with ASD have higher rates of abnormal amino acids and lower levels of choline, B6, B12, and folate when compared to children without ASD. Adequate choline intake was noted to improve sensory processing function in ASD. Healthy levels of amino acids were observed to have positive influence on central nervous system (CNS) function, while abnormal levels were shown to have negative effects. Low levels of folate and B12 were assessed in children who were newly diagnosed with autism. The relationship between B vitamins and amino acids was observed in subjects with ASD, with B vitamins being necessary for the metabolism of amino acids to regulate CNS functions. One study compared an ASD subject group to an ADHD group and observed lower vitamin B12 and higher homocysteine levels in the ASD group, with lower vitamin B12 levels correlating to increased hyperactivity and oppositionality symptoms among children with ASD.

Results of this observational study examining 15 articles centered on ASD show that significantly lower nutritional levels of choline, B6, B12, and folate, along with abnormal amino acid levels, are present in children with ASD. Research suggests that balanced levels of the mentioned markers could potentially reduce the incidence of ASD and improve symptoms. Increased dietary intake of choline and B vitamins may improve anxious and social behaviors and improve neurobehavioral impairment. Future studies should include clinical trials with larger populations to focus on understanding the optimum nutrients levels necessary for the prevention and alleviation of ASD in children.

Source: Jennings, Laurel, and Raedeh Basiri. “Amino Acids, B Vitamins, and Choline May Independently and Collaboratively Influence the Incidence and Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Nutrients 14, no. 14 (2022): 2896.

© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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Posted September 19, 2022.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

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