Japanese scientists revealed an association between cord blood fatty acid metabolites and autism spectrum disorder symptoms in children.Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the learning capability and social behaviour of people.
While the exact causes of ASD remain unclear, evidence points to neuroinflammation as a major risk factor.
Several mice studies have linked polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their metabolites during pregnancy with ASD risk.
PUFA metabolites regulated by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) affect foetal development in mice causing impairments closely linked to ASD symptoms. However, it is still unclear if the same is true for humans and needs further investigation.