Is Autism a Metabolic Disorder?

Cracking the Code: A New Perspective on Neurodevelopment

With increasing rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses worldwide, scientists have been searching for the root cause and possible treatment options for years. While many theories abound — from genetics to environmental factors — new research has uncovered a potential piece of the puzzle that can help with early detection and prevention strategies. The discovery of a small number of metabolic biochemical pathways may be the key to revolutionizing the way we approach autism in the future.

What Characterizes Autism?

ASD is a developmental disorder that impacts socializing and communication, along with repetitive and/or restrictive behaviors. It can cause significant disability for those children diagnosed before five years of age — with only 10-20% able to live independently once they reach adulthood. Irritability, poor concentration and sleep, gastrointestinal distress, and issues with sensory processing often accompany ASD. Moreover, increased oxidative stress, decreased methylation capacity, impaired sulfur metabolism, gut microbiome dysbiosis, and altered energy metabolism are also hallmarks of the condition.⁶

Metabolic Influences

While autism has strong genetic and environmental factors that play a significant role in the development and severity of ASD, researchers at UC San Diego are now looking at the impact these factors have on metabolic pathways and how they influence the progression of the condition. The team compared the metabolic profiles of ASD children in the cohort with those who are neurotypical. Out of the 50 different biochemical pathways they investigated, fourteen percent were responsible for the metabolic impact of autism.¹

Robert Naviaux, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology at UC San Diego School of Medicine and lead researcher of the study notes:

“Behavior and metabolism are linked – you cannot separate them…Metabolism is the language that the brain, gut and immune system use to communicate, and autism occurs when the communication between these systems is changed.”

The affected pathways were linked to the cell danger response, which is a cellular action that activates when there is injury or metabolic stress. While the body has built-in safeguards to shut down this response once the danger has passed, Naviaux suspects that in the case of autism, these safeguards fail to develop normally. This leads to a heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli and contributes to issues with sensory processing and other symptoms linked to autism.

“At birth, the physical appearance and behavior of a child who will develop autism over the next few years are indistinguishable from that of a neurotypical child. Indeed, in most cases the fate of the child with regard to autism is not set at birth,” says Naviaux. “We’re starting to learn about the governing dynamics that regulate the transition from risk to the actual appearance of the first symptoms of ASD. Early diagnosis opens the possibility of early intervention and optimal outcomes.”

While correlation does not imply causation, these findings are intriguing — especially when you consider the benefits of a high-quality diet in helping to manage symptoms of the condition and how this also supports metabolic health.

The Role of Dietary Intervention

A ketogenic diet is often used to help manage seizures associated with autism. Because it is low in carbohydrates and higher in beneficial fats — especially omega-3 fatty acids, it can also improve metabolic health.^2,3 However, it has nutritional limitations and generally cannot be sustained over long periods of time due to long-term health impacts. Additionally, it takes special planning with a dietitian to fine-tune the diet and avoid possible aggravating food sensitivities — including the casein found in cheese and cream, often used in ketogenic diets.

Others have found success with a whole-foods, anti-inflammatory diet that eliminates dairy, gluten, and soy. Green Mediterranean is one option that is high in beneficial antioxidants and eliminates all processed foods/artificial colorings/additives, along with most animal products except for fish. While it does allow for gluten-containing whole grains, those on the spectrum are wise to avoid them as gluten is a known trigger and can promote not only food sensitivities, but also inflammation. The same is true for the small amount of dairy included in the diet.

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM stresses that diet is a powerful ally in cooling neuroinflammation as well as the synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction associated with autism.⁵ He notes:

“Children with autism are more likely to suffer from dysfunctional mitochondria, the little power plants within our cells where metabolism takes place. If only there were some food that could improve mitochondrial function. And, there is: “A diet rich in cruciferous vegetables [broccoli, kale, cabbage, collards, cauliflower] effectively retunes our metabolism by…restoring metabolic homeostasis,” or metabolic balance. Power plants for our cellular power plants.”⁴

Targeted Herbal Remedies

Along with diet, select medicinal herbs can also help to support those with ASD. Lemon Balm and our Balanced Gut Blend are two examples. Here’s why.

Lemon Balm is a gentle yet powerful herb that offers several key benefits. Known for its calming and neuroprotective properties, it supports brain function and encourages the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Its natural anxiolytic effects can help soothe the heightened stress responses often associated with autism, while also enhancing sleep quality — something many who are on the spectrum struggle with daily. Additionally, lemon balm helps balance blood sugar levels and protects against oxidative stress, both of which play a role in overall neurological and metabolic health.

Next is our Balanced Gut Blend to support gut health and neurological balance — two areas that tend to be compromised in individuals with autism. This powerful blend includes Reishi, which helps the body manage stress by regulating cortisol levels, reducing fatigue, and promoting calm, focused energy. It also supports gut integrity and immune balance through its anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. Turkey Tail further enhances gut health by combating leaky gut and candida overgrowth, acting as a potent prebiotic, while calming inflammation and supporting blood sugar regulation.

Plantain, along with Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root, provides soothing relief to the digestive tract, coating and protecting mucous membranes and helping reduce irritation often associated with gut inflammation.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom brings a cognitive boost by supporting brain cell regeneration, improving focus and memory, and easing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Together, these concentrated and powerful formulations can gently help to relieve the symptoms of ASD.

Interested in learning more about these potent extracts? Visit my apothecary today!

Nicole Apelian

Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post

References

1. “Metabolism of Autism Reveals Developmental Origins” Miles Martin, UC San Diego Today. March 10, 2024.
2.  Mierau, S. B., & Neumeyer, A. M. (2019). Metabolic interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurobiology of disease, 132, 104544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104544
3. “Dietary suggestions for ADHD and Autism?” Oregon State University. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/dietary-suggestions-adhd-autism
4.  “Fighting Autism Brain Inflammation with Food” by Michael Greger M.D. FACLM, Nutrition Facts, March 25, 2021. https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/fighting-autism-brain-inflammation-with-food/
5.  Armah, C. N., Traka, M. H., Dainty, J. R., Defernez, M., Janssens, A., Leung, W., Doleman, J. F., Potter, J. F., & Mithen, R. F. (2013). A diet rich in high-glucoraphanin broccoli interacts with genotype to reduce discordance in plasma metabolite profiles by modulating mitochondrial function. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 98(3), 712–722. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.113.065235
6.  Orozco, J.S., Hertz-Picciotto, I., Abbeduto, L. et al. Metabolomics analysis of children with autism, idiopathic-developmental delays, and Down syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 9, 243 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-019-0578-3