A case–control study of heavy metals and melatonin levels in autistic children from Mizoram, Northeast India

What is it about?

Autistic children in Mizoram show significantly higher levels of heavy metals in urine and altered melatonin levels in saliva compared to neurotypical children. Our study highlights how environmental exposure, diet, and prenatal stress contribute to these biochemical changes, potentially influencing ASD risk and severity. We found that children with ASD had elevated concentrations of certain toxic metals, which may affect neurological development and behavioral outcomes. Additionally, melatonin dysregulation, essential for sleep and circadian rhythms, was observed in ASD cases, suggesting possible links to sleep disturbances commonly reported in autistic children. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring environmental exposures, ensuring proper nutrition, and addressing sleep-related issues in ASD management.

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