The Level of Bioelements in the Hair and Serum in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

In this research, we present an overview of the biometals content in serum and hair samples taken from children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Under the observation were 38 children with ASD (age 7.9 ± 2 years). The comparison group included 20 children without ASD symptoms (age 7.7 ± 2 years). We found elevated levels of magnesium and phosphorus (4.3 and 2.8 times), as well as iron and selenium deficiencies in hair samples collected from children with ASD. Children with ASD had a statistically significant excess cadmium content in the hair compared with the control group (U = 91, p = 0.038); an excess of toxic elements (aluminum, mercury, cadmium) was detected in the blood serum of children with ASD. It was found that the level of elements essential for the functioning of the nervous and immune systems was lower, and the amount of toxic trace elements was significantly higher in children with ASD.