The current research study was performed to explain the role of zinc (Zn) supplementation on the plasma concentration and gene expression along with the effects on cognitive-motor performance, in a cohort of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. The study was carried out on a cohort of 30 paediatric participants with ASD, surrounding an age range of almost 3-8 years. The effect of zinc supplementation was examined for 3 months or 12 weeks on the ASD children.

Daily dosage of zinc was calculated as equal to the body weight in kg plus 15-20 mg. The effect of zinc supplementation was also assessed on the serum level of metallothionein 1 (MT-1A), and the severity of autism through scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The effect of zinc supplementation was examined on the gene expression of MT1-A before and after zinc supplementation. The evidence of the present study presented with an increase in cognitive-motor performance. It also showed an increased serum metallothionein concentration and a significant reduction in the circulating serum levels of copper after zinc supplementation. Also, in the ASD patients, the genetic expression of MT-1 was increased after zinc supplementation than before the treatment. Thus, the study concluded, zinc supplementation can be an important factor in the treatment of ASD children.

Source: Meguid NA, Bjørklund G, Gebril OH, Doşa MD, Anwar M, Elsaeid A, Gaber A, Chirumbolo S. The role of zinc supplementation on the metallothionein system in children with autism spectrum disorder. Acta Neurol Belg. 2019 Dec;119(4):577-583. doi: 10.1007/s13760-019-01181-9. Epub 2019 Jul 13. PMID: 31302864.