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:. Acta Neurol Belg. 2019 Dec;119(4):577-583