Nutraceutical Fruits and Foods for Neurodegenerative Disorders - Chapter 8: Importance of functional foods in the management of autism

Due to anomalies in neurodevelopment, autism and related disorders are becoming more common behavioral syndromes that affect verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as socialization. The prevalence of autistic disorders is currently estimated to be 1% worldwide. The complexity of autism's etiology further complicates therapeutic intervention. The pathophysiology of the illness is complicated by the heterogeneity of inherited factors, oxidative stress, immunological mechanisms, and epigenetic mechanisms. Using nutraceuticals to treat this illness is a possible strategy in certain and more desirable areas. This study objectively investigates the roles of vitamins and cofactors, dietary alterations and gut abnormalities, probiotics and prebiotics, phytochemicals, and environmental factors to gage the strength of the evidence supporting nutraceutical-based autism management options.