Abnormal Porphyrin Metabolism in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Therapeutic Implications.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a mosaic of neurodevelopmental conditions composed of early-onset social interaction and communication deficits, along with repetitive and/or restricted patterns of activities, behavior, and interests. ASD affects around 1% of children worldwide, with a male predominance. Energy, porphyrin, and neurotransmitter homeostasis are the key metabolic pathways affected by heavy metal exposure, potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD.

The Rationale for Vitamin, Mineral, and Cofactor Treatment in the Precision Medical Care of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit nutritional deficiencies due to reduced intake, genetic variants, autoantibodies interfering with vitamin transport, and the accumulation of toxic compounds that consume vitamins. Importantly, vitamins and metal ions are essential for several metabolic pathways and for neurotransmitter functioning. The therapeutic benefits of supplementing vitamins, minerals (Zinc, Magnesium, Molybdenum, and Selenium), and other cofactors (coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, and tetrahydrobiopterin) are mediated through their cofactor as well as non-cofactor functions.

A potential pathogenic role of oxalate in autism.

Background: Although autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are a strongly genetic condition certain metabolic disturbances may contribute to clinical features. Metabolism of oxalate in children with ASD has not yet been studied.

Aim: The objective was to determine oxalate levels in plasma and urine in autistic children in relation to other urinary parameters.