Egyptian Researchers Innovate a Drug to Improve Autism Symptoms in Children

A research team in Egypt has successfully developed an experimental treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), based on a nanoemulsion of Vitamin D3 designed to increase the body's absorption of the vitamin without the need for a heavy meal.

Results from an initial clinical trial involving 80 children aged between three and six years showed that the new emulsion led to a 141% increase in Vitamin D3 levels in the blood, compared to only 54% in children who received the traditional formulation of the vitamin.

This increase was also associated with a significant improvement in the core symptoms of autism, including social communication, language abilities, adaptive behaviors, and fine motor performance.

The researchers explained that the nanoemulsion relies on tiny particles of olive oil and fructose, which prevent the vitamin from clumping and enhance its effectiveness, compared to traditional products that may be less absorbable, especially in children who do not get enough sunlight.

The team emphasized that Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in brain development and the regulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress properties, making it promising in supporting children with autism.

However, the researchers stressed that the nanoemulsion still requires regulatory reviews and expanded trials before being approved for widespread use, as it is considered a new drug delivery system by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).