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Low-Dose Nutrient Mix Eases Autism-Like Behaviors in Mice, Study Finds

The preclinical results point to a synergistic, lower-dose strategy that now needs testing in people.

Overview

  • Academia Sinica researchers reported that combining zinc, serine, and branched-chain amino acids at low doses benefited three mouse models of autism spectrum disorder.
  • The mixture improved social behavior and neuronal communication, whereas the same ingredients given individually at those doses showed no measurable effect.
  • Proteomic analyses indicated synaptic protein profiles shifted toward typical patterns, and calcium imaging showed reduced hyperactivity in basolateral amygdala circuits.
  • Circuit-level changes emerged after seven days of treatment, alongside improvements in social interaction and, in some tests, associative memory.
  • Published in PLOS Biology, the work prompted experts to stress that mouse findings are not clinical guidance and that rigorous human safety and efficacy trials are needed.