Children with autism have less selenium and zinc in their blood

Autism is a complex disorder that occurs in varying degrees. It is believed to result from alterations in brain development. There are several contributory factors, including nutrient deficiencies and exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy and early childhood. Blood samples from children with autism have revealed lower levels of selenium and zinc compared with healthy children, along with higher levels of aluminum - a metal regarded as a neurotoxin. This was demonstrated in a study published in Biological Trace Element Research. The combination of low levels of these two essential trace elements and widespread aluminum exposure may be a harmful mix that damages the brain and nervous system.

People with autism often find it difficult to interpret body language, express emotions, communicate, and form social relationships. Because these lifelong disorders appear in many different forms and degrees, they are collectively referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Symptoms usually begin in early childhood, and the condition is thought to be related to changes in brain development. While genes may play a role, environmental factors are believed to be the main reason for the dramatic rise in autism rates. Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy are also known to increase the risk. Given the profound human and socioeconomic consequences of autism, there is a strong need to focus more on its causes, even though they may be complex.
In recent years, aluminum has received considerable attention due to its neurotoxic properties and multiple sources of exposure. When aluminum foil or cookware comes into contact with acidic foods such as lemon or tomato, aluminum may leach into the food. Aluminum (E173) is widely used as an anti-caking agent in refined table salt and powdered creamers, and it gives chocolate-coated products a shiny surface. It is also found in coffee capsules, deodorants, and antacid medications. In vaccines, aluminum appears in the form of nanoparticles that carry active ingredients into cells - even into the nuclei.
Aluminum’s potentially harmful impact on the body depends on the chemical form, the timing of exposure, and the total accumulation over time, since aluminum can build up in tissues. Evidence suggests that aluminum can cross the blood–brain barrier, and it is well known that high levels in children and adolescents may impair memory and mental development. In adults and the elderly, elevated aluminum levels have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Studies show that aluminum can disrupt cellular function and homeostasis. It also appears to damage the hippocampus – the brain region responsible for learning, memory, orientation, and emotional regulation, especially under stress and anxiety. Aluminum exposure is thought to provoke the immune system to generate free radicals, which can trigger oxidative stress. This leads to damage of cell membranes and a cascade of reactions that may harm DNA and proteins.
Our only defense against free-radical damage is antioxidants. Earlier studies have shown that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have lower concentrations of essential trace elements and antioxidants in their blood, hair, and nails.
The new study aimed to investigate whether blood levels of aluminum were linked to selenium and zinc status and to the severity of autism symptoms. Selenium and zinc are not only crucial for the nervous system and many other functions but also serve as vital antioxidants.
The study included 47 children with autism, whose condition was assessed using Gilliam’s Scale, and a control group of 53 healthy children matched for age and gender. Using specialized analyses, the researchers measured blood levels of aluminum, selenium, and zinc. Compared with the healthy controls, the children with autism had:

• Significantly lower blood levels of selenium
• Significantly lower blood levels of zinc
• Significantly higher blood levels of aluminum

The findings suggest that the severity of autism increases with lower selenium and zinc levels and higher aluminum levels. The researchers also propose that aluminum may serve as a biomarker indicating increased autism risk. Furthermore, aluminum exposure may raise the body’s need for selenium and zinc, as these antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress. Adequate levels of these trace elements are also essential for the many other functions they support.

• Selenium, zinc, and other antioxidants may help protect against cell damage caused by aluminum and oxidative stress
• Deficiency of selenium and zinc is common, largely due to nutrient-depleted soils and plant-based or monotonous diets
• Researchers suggest that blood aluminum may serve as a biomarker reflecting autism risk in children and adolescents.
• Reducing aluminum exposure may play a role in preventing autism.

More information on reducing aluminum exposure

It is always advisable to minimize aluminum exposure, especially since fetuses, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Because aluminum increases oxidative stress in the brain, it is generally advisable to maintain a good supply of antioxidants in the body. The following article explains how supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can also have a protective effect.

»Q10 counteracts the harmful effects of aluminum on the brain«

References:

Ali Fadheel Hamoud, Narjis Hadi Al-Saadi. The Assessment of selenium, Aluminium, and Zinc in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biological Trace Element Research. 2025

Kamsiyochukwu S Daniel et al. The Increasing Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the U.S. and Its implications for Pediatric Micronutrient Status. A narrative Review of Case Reports and Series. Nutrients 2025

Abdu Saeed et al. Effects of aluminum chloride and coenzyme Q10 on the molecular structure of lipids and the morphology of the brain hippocampus cells. RSC Advances 2021