A recent clinical study conducted in China suggests promising results for a vitamin D3-loaded nanoemulsion in improving the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.
In the study, published on Friday by the LabMed Discovery magazine, researchers from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University explained that while traditional vitamin D3 supplementation has shown mixed results in past studies, a nanoemulsion form-engineered to enhance absorption and bioavailability- might produce better outcomes.
ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. It is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, along with restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
ASD symptoms become apparent during early childhood, typically within the first three years of life.
Vitamin D3 Benefits
Vitamin D3 is a vital form of vitamin D, essential for the typical growth and development of bones and teeth and for improving resistance to certain diseases.
Recent studies suggest that Vitamin D3 may play a supporting role in neurodevelopment and behavior, particularly in children with ASD.
Vitamin D3 supplements are available as tablets or oil drops, but these forms lack advanced techniques to enhance its absorption.
Nanoemulsion Form of Vitamin D3
Therefore, the Chinese study focused on a nanoemulsion form of vitamin D3, which is specifically designed to improve how well the body absorbs and utilizes the nutrient, potentially leading to more effective outcomes.
The study involved 80 children with confirmed ASD diagnoses, all between 3 and 6 years old. The children were randomly split into two groups: one group received the nanoemulsion version of vitamin D3, while the other group was given a commonly available standard supplement.
Both groups followed their respective treatments for a six-month period.
Their vitamin D3 levels, adaptive behaviors, and language abilities were assessed before and after supplementation.
Only the nanoemulsion group showed statistically significant improvements in vitamin D3 levels, autism severity, social IQ, and both receptive and expressive language performance.
The conventional supplement, despite raising blood vitamin D3 levels, did not lead to meaningful improvements in behavioral outcomes.
The study concludes that the nanoemulsion form of vitamin D3 is superior to the conventional oral form in terms of increasing vitamin bioavailability and producing clinically relevant improvements in children with ASD.
The authors of the study suggested that nanoemulsion technology could offer a valuable strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders.
