Autism and Diet

Magnesium Profile in Autism

Strambi M, Longini M, Hayek J, Berni S, Macucci F, Scalacci E, Vezzosi P.
Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Neonatology and Preventive Paediatrics, Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine and compare plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of magnesium in 12 autistic children (10 boys, 2 girls), 17 children with other autistic spectrum disorders (14 boys, 3 girls), 5 girls with classic Rett syndrome, and 14 normal children (7 boys, 7 girls) of the same age. No differences in intracellular Mg were found between controls and pathological subjects; however, autistic children and children with other autistic spectrum disorders had significantly lower plasma concentrations of Mg than normal subjects (p=0.013 and p=0.02, respectively). Although our study population was small, we conclude that children with autistic spectrum disorders require special dietary management. If these cases are diagnosed at an early stage, they can be helped through diet.

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2006 Feb;109(2):97-104.