(Phytochemicals in) Foods to Prevent and Treat Autism

Autism is one most common form of brain development disorder and one in 166 child is diagnosed with some forms of autism. Children who are diagnosed with autism tend to have weak immune system and auto immune problems. Autism is defined as medical condition in which a child has some of the following impairments
a) Speech
b) Social and communication skills
c) Limited interest
d) Repetitive behaviour

Types of foods to prevent and treat Autism
1. Green tea
In the study to investigate  the role of green tea extract in reversing cardinal behavioral changes and aberrations in oxidative stress induced by valproate exposure. Young mice of both genders received a single dose of valproate (400mg/kg subcutaneously) on postnatal day 14 followed by a daily dose of green tea extract (75 and 300mg/kg) orally up to postnatal day 40, showed that a significant improvement in behavioral assessments particularly with 300mg/kg of green tea extract. Formation of markers of oxidative stress was reduced at both dose levels. Histological findings confirm the neuroprotective effect of green tea at a dose of 300mg/kg. In conclusion it can be stated that green tea exerts neuronal cytoprotective action possibly due to anti-oxidant action and could be efficacious in the management of autism(1).

2. Salmon and Algae
In a study to determine the efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids for children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)., showed that Of the 9 subjects who completed the study, 8 showed improvement of about 33% on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). None worsened and no side effects were reported(2).

3. Broccoli, Carrot, tomato
Broccoli, Carrot, tomato are immune enhancers. They also contain contains measurable amount of vitamin A, C, E, lycopene and β-caroten. In the study of Plasma concentrations of selected antioxidants in autistic children and adolescents, found that consumption of fruit and vegetables in autistic subjects is optimal. Autistic average vitamin E and A plasma concentrations (non-significantly changed in comparison to control group) were below-threshold with low percentage of over-threshold values. Insufficient vitamin E and A plasma values indicate lower consumption of food rich in vitamins A and E (e.g. whole-grain products, plant oils, oil seeds, nuts, fat spreads and dairy products). Autistic average lycopene concentration is lower in comparison to published non-Slovak data. Conclusions of this pilot study suggest that plasma concentrations of exogenous antioxidants, vitamins E and A, and lycopene in autistic subjects are insufficien(3). Other suggested that dysfunctional immune responses are associated with increased impairments in behaviors characteristic of core features of ASD, in particular, deficits in social interactions and communication(4).

4. Etc.

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21820650
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19702497
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19507654
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21906670