Study of Homocysteine, Vitamin B12 and Folate in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that usually begins at or before the age of 3 years. The etiology of these disorders, includes environmental factors such as vitamins which have important role in central nervous system functioning. Vitamin B12 and folate are involved in the methionine-homocysteine pathway and some studies have shown a relationship between folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine and various psychiatric diseases including ASDs. Objective: To evaluate the homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate status in children with ASDs in Bangladesh. Methodology: This case control study included 50 ASD cases and 50 age matched healthy controls, according to inclusion criteria. After taking informed written consent from guardian, a structured questionnaire was filled up for each subject including socio-demographic history, family history, birth history and milestone of development. 5cc venous bloods were collected with all aseptic precautions in clot activator tube and serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels were estimated. Collected data was checked, edited and processed with the help of SPSS (23). Results: The mean age of autism children was 5.71±2.06 years and in control group, it was 6.00±1.99 years. Mean S.Vit B12 (pg/ml) and S.Folic acid (ng/mL) were found significantly lower in autism children compared to control children (241.46±60.51 Vs 302.58±76.66 and 7.12±2.16 Vs 9.72±2.96). On the other hand, the mean S. Homocystiene (μmol/L) was found significantly higher in cases than controls (8.08±2.11 Vs 6.12±1.71). Conclusion: This study revealed that serum vitamin B12 and folate levels were significantly decreased, and serum homocysteine were significantly increased in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) compared to normal healthy children. So, screening of serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate in children with autism spectrum disorders is recommended for early management of complications related to the disease process. Bangladesh Medical Res Counc Bull 2022; 48: 127-132