Nutritional Approaches in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Year 2025, Issue: 5, 24 - 33, 31.08.2025

İbrahim Hakkı Çağıran , Adviye Gülçin Sağdıçoğlu Celep

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and sensory abnormalities. Although the etiology of ASD is not fully understood, the interaction between genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role. Environmental factors such as prenatal stress, low birth weight, premature birth, and oxidative stress may contribute to its pathogenesis. Nutrition can play an important role in managing ASD symptoms. Apitherapy products such as propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly can have positive effects by regulating serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels. Bee pollen, with its anti-inflammatory properties, reduces elevated inflammatory markers caused by propionic acid (PA), while propolis, due to its strong antioxidant effects, is beneficial in controlling pathogenic microorganisms. Propolis and bee pollen have been reported to be effective in reducing microorganisms such as Clostridia, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids show promise in ASD treatment by improving social behaviors and supporting oxytocin hormone synthesis. This review highlights the potential benefits of nutritional approaches, particularly apitherapy products and omega-3 fatty acids, in the treatment of ASD. The role of nutrition in ASD management offers a critical area for future research aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

Keywords

Autism , nutrition , apitherapy , omega -3 , propolis.

Project Number

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Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu Tedavisinde Beslenme Yaklaşımları

Abstract

Otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB), sosyal iletişim eksiklikleri, tekrarlayan davranışlar ve duyusal anormalliklerle karakterize bir nörogelişimsel durumdur. OSB'nin etiyolojisi tam olarak anlaşılamasa da, genetik ve çevresel faktörlerin etkileşimi önemli rol oynamaktadır. Gebelik stresi, düşük doğum ağırlığı, erken doğum ve oksidatif stres gibi çevresel faktörler patogenezde etkili olabilir. Beslenme, OSB semptomlarının yönetiminde önemli bir rol oynayabilir. Propolis, arı poleni, arı sütü gibi apiterapi ürünleri, serotonin, dopamin ve noradrenalin seviyelerini düzenleyerek olumlu etkiler sağlayabilir. Arı poleni, antiinflamatuvar etkisiyle PA kaynaklı artmış inflamatuvar belirteçleri azaltırken, propolis güçlü antioksidan etkisiyle patojen mikroorganizmaların kontrolünde faydalı olabilir. Özellikle Clostridia, Klebsiella pneumonia ve Candida albicans gibi mikropların azaltılmasında propolis ve arı poleninin etkili olduğu belirtilmiştir. Ayrıca, omega-3 yağ asitleri, sosyal davranışları iyileştirme ve oksitosin hormon sentezini destekleme açısından OSB tedavisinde umut vaat etmektedir. Bu derleme, OSB tedavisinde beslenme yaklaşımlarını ve özellikle apiterapi ürünleri ile omega-3 yağ asitlerinin potansiyel faydalarını vurgulamaktadır. Beslenmenin OSB yönetimindeki önemi, hastaların yaşam kalitesini artırmak adına gelecekteki araştırmalar için önemli bir alan sunmaktadır.

Keywords

Otizm , beslenme , apiterapi , omega -3 , propolis.

Ethical Statement

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Supporting Institution

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Project Number

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Thanks

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