Concentrations of Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, and Copper in the Hair of Autistic Children

The study investigated the concentrations of magnesium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, and copper in the hair of 56 autistic children compared to 48 healthy children. It found that autistic children had significantly lower levels of iron and higher levels of selenium in their hair. Specifically, autistic boys had the lowest iron levels, significantly different from both autistic girls and healthy boys. Autistic girls had lower magnesium and copper levels compared to healthy girls. No differences were observed in calcium and zinc levels among the groups. The study suggested the importance of monitoring the supply and content of these elements in autistic patients, although it did not conclusively link disrupted element metabolism to autism's etiopathogenesis.