- A new study in mice finds that a trio of supplements reduces autism-like behaviors in models of autism spectrum disorder.
- The supplements in question contained zinc, serine, and branch-chain amino acids.
- The scientists believe that the benefits are derived from promoting communication between brain cells and enhancing synaptic connectivity.
A new animal study, published in PLoS Biology, finds that a triple-pronged supplement improves brain connectivity and social behaviour in three different mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Interestingly, when the supplements were given individually, but in the same doses, there were no changes in the animals’ brains or behavior.
Ming-Hui Lin, the study’s co-first author, believes the “results provide strong support for the beneficial effects of low dose nutrient supplement combinations.”
Despite its media spotlight, ASD is still poorly understood. Predominantly, it seems to be a genetic condition, with studies showing that 60–90% of the risk is heritable. Having a close relative with autism is a significant risk factor for developing ASD.
However, many genes are involved in ASD risk. To date, more than 900 genes have been implicated.
Also, environmental factors play a part. These include being born to older parents, gestational diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy, and poor maternal mental health.
Scientists have shown, however, that vaccines of any kind are not related to autism risk.
While animal research is a vital part of the scientific method, mouse models of ASD are fraught with challenges. Not least because many experts
When interpreting the results of any animal study, we need to be extra skeptical. This is particularly the case when investigating neurodevelopmental conditions like ASD.
Although the results of this study are encouraging, rodent models of ASD — although often created by altering genes that are known to be linked to ASD — are not a true representation of ASD in humans.
Medical News Today contacted Maria Knöbel, MBBS, Medical Director at MedicalCert, who was not involved in the research.
“Animal models provide a certain indication of the circuits and patterns of inflammation,” she explained, “but they cannot reflect human sensory or emotional life. A child who experiences sound at a greater intensity or an adult who has to plan his rest to prevent cognitive burnout traverses a sensory world that no rodent can know.”
“The findings should be considered by the readers as early indicators that influence research and not as direct clinical instructions.”
— Maria Knöbel, MBBS
In general, experts believe that the traits associated with ASD are caused by problems that occur during development that impact brain cell signaling and the formation of synapses.
So, the authors of the latest study focused on supplements that may support these functions, namely:
- Zinc: A micronutrient that is important when forming synapses, zinc deficiency has also been implicated in ASD-like behaviors in animal models.
- Serine: A common, non-essential amino acid, serine plays a role in metabolism and
signaling between brain cells . - Branch-chain amino acids (BCAA): This group encompasses three essential amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Some of the genes associated with ASD control the
transport or metabolism of BCAA.
The scientists decided to combine them into one supplement for two reasons. Firstly, using three in combination meant that they could use low doses of each, which reduces the risk of the negative effects of high doses.
Secondly, while all three are thought to support brain function, they all do so in different ways, creating an opportunity for synergism.
To test and investigate, the researchers gave the supplement to three different mouse models of ASD. They then measured changes in protein expression in the animals’ brains and neural activity in part of the
They chose the amygdala, specifically, because studies have shown that people with ASD have differences in the size or structure of their amygdalae, compared to neurotypical people.
In two of the mouse models, the scientists also analyzed any changes in the animals’ social behaviors.
When the scientists used BCAA, serine, or zinc supplements individually, they found no changes in the brains or behavior of the rodents. However, when given as a trio, they identified improvements in protein synthesis in the brain, synapse activity, and behavior.
The authors write: “Dietary supplements that enhance synaptic activity and protein synthesis can correct the abnormal neural activation and connectivity and improve the social behaviors of multiple ASD mouse models.”
Co-first author, Ming-Hui Lin, was “thrilled to observe that just 7 days of treatment with the nutrient mixture significantly modulated neuronal circuit activity and connectivity in real time. These results provide strong support for the beneficial effects of low-dose nutrient supplement combinations.”
As treatments for ASD are severely lacking, there may be a temptation to experiment on oneself or their child. However, this is not without risks. Speaking with MNT, Knöbel told us how she had seen people develop insomnia shortly after changing their supplement regimen.
She also told us how children, because of their smaller size, can easily be given “dangerous metabolic loads.”
In agreement, clinical psychologist Eleni Nicolaou warned MNT that supplements at the wrong dose “can cause significant changes in sleep, heart rate, and the effects of medications.”
“I have personally seen fatigue, nausea, and mood swings as a result of taking what appeared to be safe supplements,” she said.
All in all, this study is a fascinating addition to our understanding of ASD. It may also be the first step along the road toward a simple treatment to ease symptoms for some people. However, much more work is needed.