Neurotoxicants on the Menu: Mapping the Link between Food Contaminants and Autism in African Children - A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a growing neurodevelopmental concern in Africa, with environmental risk factors such as neurotoxic food contaminants believed to play a role in its prevalence among children.

Objective: This review aims to synthesize evidence linking dietary exposure to neurotoxic food contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides and mycotoxins, with ASD risk in African children and to highlight regional exposure patterns, regulatory contexts, and research gaps.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African regional databases for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Grey literature from WHO and FAO was also included. Eligibility criteria covered African populations, experimental models, and food safety policies addressing neurotoxic exposure and ASD outcomes. Data extraction focused on contaminant types, sources, outcomes, and country-level regulation. Results were synthesized qualitatively to map evidence and identify gaps.

Results: Heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins were frequently identified in staple African foods, with animal and epidemiological studies suggesting higher burdens in children with ASD. The critical exposure periods are prenatal and early childhood. Regulatory and surveillance deficiencies were evident, especially in rural and informal market settings.

Discussion: Widespread exposure to neurotoxicants, combined with weak food safety oversight, increases ASD risk among African children. Evidence is fragmented and underrepresents rural contexts. Multidisciplinary research and robust governance are needed to clarify the exposure-disease link.

Conclusion: Foodborne neurotoxins pose significant risks to ASD in Africa. Enhancing surveillance, regulation, and research, particularly for vulnerable populations, is vital to prevent ASD and protect children's health.

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Certificate of Publication

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Copyright

© 2025 Wilfred AA, et al. Distributed under Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0

How to cite this article

Wilfred AA, Laure VNN. Neurotoxicants on the Menu: Mapping the Link between Food Contaminants and Autism in African Children - A Scoping Review. J Biomed Res Environ Sci. 2025 Oct 14; 6(10): 1457-1469. doi: 10.37871/jbres2202, Article ID: JBRES2202, Available at: https://www.jelsciences.com/articles/ jbres2202.pdf

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