Narrative review examines antioxidant metabolites for autism spectrum disorder in children

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Frontiers in Medicine Published April 19, 2026 Medically reviewed April 25, 2026 DOI ↗ By Dr. Julia Lee, PhD · Oncology, Genomics & Drug Development

Key Takeaway

Note that a narrative review suggests a multifaceted nutritional approach is needed for children with ASD, but evidence is limited.

This narrative review synthesizes evidence regarding the use of antioxidant metabolites derived from botanical drugs and nutrients for children with autism spectrum disorder. The scope includes a broad range of substances such as vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, omega-3, folinic acid, and indirect modulators. The authors explore both the molecular aspects and behavioral aspects of ASD in relation to these interventions. However, critical methodological details such as sample size, study setting, and follow-up duration were not reported in the source material. Consequently, specific efficacy data, primary outcomes, and adverse event rates are not available for quantitative analysis.

The authors highlight that the complex challenges associated with antioxidant therapies and deficiencies represent significant limitations in the current evidence base. Because the study phase and causality notes were not reported, definitive conclusions regarding clinical efficacy cannot be drawn from this narrative synthesis alone. The review does not provide data on tolerability, discontinuations, or serious adverse events, as these were not reported in the underlying sources. Instead, the discussion remains qualitative, focusing on the theoretical potential of these agents rather than established clinical outcomes.

In terms of practice relevance, the review suggests a need for a multifaceted nutritional approach rather than reliance on single agents. Clinicians should interpret these findings cautiously, recognizing that the evidence is observational and lacks the rigor of randomized controlled trials. The absence of reported safety data and specific outcome measures limits the ability to recommend these interventions as standard care at this time.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedApr 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits, restricted and fixated interests and abnormal motor behaviors. Increasing evidence implicates oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation as key biological features of ASD. Aberrant redox homeostasis, reduced glutathione reserves, increased lipid peroxidation, and dysregulated NRF2 signaling have been documented in both peripheral tissues and brain samples. Post-mortem and imaging studies further reveal deficits in electron transport chain complexes and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, suggesting a mechanistic link between mitochondrial bioenergetics and ASD-related phenotypes. These pathomechanisms have motivated interest in antioxidant metabolites from botanical drugs and nutrients as complementary strategies. To critically appraise mechanisms and levels of evidence (in vitro, in vivo, clinical) for vitamin E and C, glutathione and its precursors, polyphenols (quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin), Crocus sativus carotenoids (crocin/safranal), and “indirect” modulators (e.g., omega-3, folinic acid), emphasizing study quality, translational relevance, and limitations. The aim of this review is to synthesize current findings on the potential benefits of antioxidants in addressing both molecular and behavioral aspects of ASD, while also examining the link between oxidative stress and ASD. Furthermore, we discuss the role of antioxidant-based interventions in managing ASD symptoms. The review highlights the complex challenges associated with antioxidant therapies and deficiencies, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted nutritional approach particularly in children with ASD.