An Egyptian research team has developed a potential treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using a nanoemulsion of vitamin D3 that does not require a prescription.

Initial clinical trials showed that this new form of the vitamin significantly improves core autism symptoms such as social communication, language skills, and daily adaptive behaviors.

The study was based on previous research showing that children with autism often have low levels of vitamin D3 compared to healthy children, which may worsen their communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors. The researchers noted that standard vitamin D3 tablets may be ineffective because they require dietary fats for absorption, which children with limited sun exposure might lack.

The research team solved this problem by creating a nanoemulsion that encapsulates vitamin D3 within very small olive oil particles, facilitating absorption without the need for a fatty meal.

The study involved 80 children aged between three and six years, divided into two groups: the first received the nanoemulsion, and the second received a standard vitamin D3 version, both as liquid drops once daily for six months.

Results showed that children who took the nanoemulsion experienced a significant 141% increase in blood vitamin D3 levels, compared to 54% in the second group.

This increase was associated with a substantial improvement in the severity of core autism symptoms and gains in social intelligence, language abilities, and fine motor skills, while the other group showed no notable improvement.

The researchers explained that the nanoemulsion technology was the key factor, enabling the body to absorb and utilize vitamin D3 effectively. The emulsion was carefully designed using edible ingredients such as olive oil and fructose to prevent particle aggregation and facilitate absorption.

The study confirms that vitamin D3 is essential for brain development, affecting neuronal growth and the production of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, benefiting autistic children who often suffer from neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

The researchers noted that vitamin D3 helps regulate serotonin in the brain, supporting mood, learning, reducing stress, and influencing concentration and the ability to process external stimuli such as speech and sounds.

They emphasized that the advanced nanoemulsion outperforms commercially available vitamin D3 products. However, the product faces practical and regulatory challenges, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies it as a new drug delivery system, requiring extensive safety reviews and expanded clinical trials before widespread use.

The study results were published in the journal LabMed Discovery.