The interplay between Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis, Vitamin D and Iron Status in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56286/kaenzh82Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorder, Gut microbiota Dysbiosis, Iron status, Ferritin, Vit.D3Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition typically diagnosed with in the first three years of life. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in ensuring the normal development of the human intestinal epithelium and the modulation of the immune system. Although diet and lifestyle influence microbial growth, alterations in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) and micronutrient deficiencies are increasingly linked to ASD pathophysiology. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the specific bacterial species in the intestinal microbiota of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to evaluate their potential relationship with serum vitamin D3, iron, ferritin level. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2025 to February 2026, including 100 children diagnosed with ASD and 50 neurotypical individual controls. Stool samples were collected to isolate and identify gut microbiota types and frequencies. Concurrently, blood samples were analyzed to assess serum levels of ferritin, iron, and vitamin D3 in both groups. Results: The ASD Patient group comprised 60 males (60%) and 40 females (40%), with the highest prevalence observed in the 2-4 years age range (50% of male patients). Gram-negative aerobic bacteria constituted the majority of the isolates (75%), dominated by Escherichia coli 7 (22%) while 11 (15%) recoded in Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis. Gram Positive aerobic bacteria accounted for (25%), with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequent 7 (28%). Significant alterations in gut microbiota composition (dysbiosis) were observed in ASD children compared to controls. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the severity of gut dysbiosis and the marked deficiencies in serum iron, ferritin and Vitamin D3 among the autistic group (P≤0.01). Conclusion: Children with ASD exhibit significant gut microbiota dysbiosis, which is closely associated with substantial deficiencies in Vitamin D3 and iron status. These findings suggest that addressing nutritional deficiencies and restoring gut microbiota balance could be vital component in the management strategy for children with ASD.
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