Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
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Could Vitamins and Minerals Make a Difference in Autism?
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Recent studies shine a spotlight on nutritional gaps in individuals on the autism spectrum:
A comprehensive narrative review (covering cases up to 2025) found that children with autism frequently exhibit deficiencies in vitamin D (25%), vitamin A (about 25%), B-vitamins (18%), calcium (11%) and iron (10%), alongside food selectivity—even when overall growth appears normal
A systematic review from PubMed noted a resurgence of interest in the connection between autism, altered gut microbiota, and vitamin A deficiency, with reduced retinoic acid levels potentially linked to symptom severity. The authors suggest vitamin A supplementation may be worth exploring further.
Large-scale genetic analysis using Mendelian randomisation found:
A higher serum magnesium level was associated with a 16% lower risk of autism spectrum disorder.
Zinc was linked with lower risk of ADHD, and vitamin B₁₂ with reduced risk of Tourette's—but the autism-specific finding centred on magnesium
Wikipedia entries echo similar trends: individuals with autism often have lower levels of vitamin D, B12, folate (B9), zinc, magnesium and calcium compared to neurotypical peers.
Collectively, these findings strongly suggest that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies are more prevalent in autistic individuals, likely due to factors like restricted diets and sensory aversions.
2. What Does the Newest Research Show About Supplementation?
Vitamin D (Novel Nanoemulsion Form):
A recent trial in Egypt involving 80 children aged 3–6 with autism compared standard vitamin D₃ supplements with a vitamin D₃-loaded nanoemulsion over six months. The latter:
Increased blood vitamin D levels more effectively
Resulted in improved adaptive behaviour, fine motor skills, language abilities, and social IQ
Showed reduced autism severity and no adverse effects
However, researchers caution about the nanoemulsion’s complexity, cost, potential instability, and risk of vitamin D toxicity—longer-term and larger studies are needed
Neonatal Vitamin D and Later Autism Risk:
Another study analysed data from nearly 72,000 Danish newborns (1981–2005) and found that low vitamin D at birth correlated with a higher risk of autism (and other mental disorders), estimating that adequate neonatal vitamin D could potentially prevent around 5% of autism cases
Folate & Folic Acid Derivatives:
Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy has been closely linked to improved verbal and behavioural outcomes in children by age six—and may reduce autism risk
Folinic acid (a form of folate) and its pharmaceutical counterpart leucovorin show promising results.
Specifically:
Leucovorin has helped some nonverbal autistic children begin to speak, particularly those with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) caused by folate receptor issues
Other Micronutrients & Antioxidants:
Reviews and research suggest several other compounds may be beneficial:
SpectraCell and others outline possible roles for vitamins A, C, B₁, B₆, B₁₂, zinc, carnitine, glutathione and others in managing autism traits
A PubMed review highlights benefits of vitamin C supplementation in reducing stereotyped behaviours in children with ASD, with recommended doses around 500 mg for those at risk of deficiency
Vitamins E, C, coenzyme Q10 and B vitamins may also support antioxidant status and cognitive function, though more research is needed
Treatments targeting oxidative stress—like N-acetylcysteine (NAC), methylcobalamin (B₁₂), folinic acid, and vitamin C—have shown improvements in sleep, repetitive behaviours, hyperactivity and sensory symptoms in small clinical trials
3. Can Supplements Help People with Autism?
In short: there is promising evidence—but it’s not yet definitive.
Certain nutrients frequently deficient: vitamin D, A, B-vitamins, zinc, magnesium, iron, antioxidants.
Supplementation shows potential: vitamin D (especially nanoemulsion), magnesium, B₆+B₁₂ combinations, folinic acid/leucovorin, vitamin C, antioxidants.
Effectiveness varies:
Results differ by individual, dosage, formulation (e.g. nanoemulsion vs standard), and underlying metabolic factors.
Some trials show improvements in behaviour, language, motor skills and core symptoms; others are inconclusive.
Therapeutic interventions show targeted promise: prenatal folic acid, neonatal vitamin D, folinic acid for CFD, nanoemulsion vitamin D—each needs rigorous trial data to confirm safety and efficacy.
4. Practical Takeaways
Nutritional assessment: Individuals with autism, especially children with selective diets, might benefit from a professional dietary and blood micronutrient evaluation.
Targeted supplementation:
Vitamin D (per NHS guidelines in the UK, especially during autumn/winter)
Folinic acid or leucovorin if cerebral folate deficiency is suspected
Magnesium, B-vitamins, vitamin C/E, zinc, possibly under medical advice, particularly if deficiencies are confirmed
Professional guidance is vital:
Supplement forms, dosages, and potential interactions vary
Some forms (e.g. vitamin A, high-dose vitamin D) carry toxicity risks
Always consult a GP, paediatrician or registered dietitian before starting supplementation plans
Need for more research: Many findings are preliminary or from small studies. Larger, longer, controlled trials (ideally in diverse populations including autistic children and adults) are essential to confirm benefits and establish safe guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Emerging research suggests that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common among people with autism—and that thoughtful supplementation may offer improvements in a range of neurological and behavioural outcomes.
While the possibilities are exciting, especially with novel delivery methods like nanoemulsions and treatments tailored to underlying deficiencies (e.g. folate receptor issues), the evidence remains promising but not conclusive.
If you're considering exploring nutritional strategies—either for yourself or a loved one—partnering with healthcare professionals for tailored assessment and monitoring is the best way forward.
Latin Food Fest NYC
The initiative kicks off with limited-edition “We Feed America” t-shirts, with 100% of proceeds benefitting the nonprofit Street Eats Foundation, dedicated to incubating the next generation of immigrant- and POC-owned food businesses.
But that’s only one piece of the story.
Latin Food Fest NYC is set to be the most ambitious Latin cultural experience ever staged in the city — a collision of food, music, sport, and spectacle on a scale New York has never seen. Attendees can expect:
•The Market: 70+ of the city’s top Latin street food vendors curated into the ultimate open-air food hall.
•The Music: Live performances including Bataya in partnership with Red Bull, a Bad Bunny look-alike showdown, and a lineup of artists that bridge genres and generations.
•The Activations: A Verizon-sponsored soccer lounge, a Jack Daniels Blackberry VIP experience, interactive games, and sponsor-led cultural touchpoints designed to surprise at every turn.
•The Unity: More than a festival, this is a moment — a coming together of cultures under one flag, one beat, one flavor.
“We built Latin Food Fest as more than a festival. It’s a movement,” said Marco Shalma, founder of MASC Hospitality Group. “From immigrant street vendors to global icons, we’re showing the full spectrum of Latin excellence — and we’re giving back to the very communities that make it possible.”
Latin Food Fest NYC isn’t entertainment. It’s a cultural benchmark. It’s a once-a-year moment where 20,000+ New Yorkers gather, eat, dance, and step into the future of America’s cultural mainstream.
Tickets are available now at NYLatinFoodFest.com.
That's Christmas 365: Boost Your Christmas Sales with Free Promotion on ...
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Busy Families Count On Scentair® To Keep Homes Fresh
And even the smell of morning toast and eggs can last all day.
Its odour-neutralising fragrances do more than mask smells; they break down the VOCs responsible for bad smells and replace them with long-lasting freshness.
These fragrances are ideal for busy areas such as laundry rooms, pet zones, and teen bedrooms, helping to keep your home smelling clean without adding extra work.
“Back-to-school season comes with busy days and messy routines, but your home can still smell fresh,” Stephanie Soittoux, Manager of EMEA Marketing and eCommerce at ScentAir told That's Food and Drink.
“ScentAir's fragrances work quietly in the background to eliminate lingering odours, so even on your most chaotic days, your home feels fresh and put together.”
ScentAir effortlessly freshens your home with fragrance blends that eliminate odours and enhance your everyday experience. Dark Vanilla Pomelo balances sparkling pink grapefruit, creamy coconut, and rich vanilla. Eucalyptus Mint delivers an invigorating burst of peppermint, spearmint, and crisp ozone, while Oudh offers a bold, rich blend of exotic woods and warm musk.
For a timeless floral option, White Tea & Fig combines soft white tea with lily of the valley, fig, and citrus for a clean, welcoming finish.
New routines can also create stress for pets. Emerald Meadows with Pet Calming Complex helps ease anxiety in cats and dogs with calming notes of meadow grass, wild lavender, and soft woods, while neutralising odours in the spaces they love most.
Discover more odour-neutralising fragrances at scentair.com.
New Product Launches Take Centre Stage at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025
Nicola Woods, who is the Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, told That's Food and Drink: “One of the most exciting aspects of the Fair is seeing the incredible range of new products being introduced to the market.
"For our buyers, discovering something fresh, whether it's a new flavour profile, a pioneering ingredient, or a reimagined classic, is one of the key reasons to attend.
“We're proud to provide a platform for both established brands and start-ups to showcase their latest creations and connect with the retailers, chefs, and hospitality professionals who are always on the lookout for the next big thing.”
This year's event will see East Forest introduce Kenari nuts to the UK for the first time. Sourced from Indonesia's rainforests, the organic and vegan nuts will be showcased in four flavours: Unsalted, Sea Salt, Spicy Salted Caramel and Cocoa Cinnamon.
Positioned as a sustainable superfood, the nuts will be available to sample at the Fair alongside visuals highlighting their provenance and social media activity to engage visitors.
Dublin-based Stillgarden Distillery will present Buí 43 and Glas 55, two new herbal liqueurs inspired by Chartreuse and created with botanicals harvested from its community garden. Both products reflect Stillgarden's focus on sustainable production methods, with flavour profiles designed to appeal to bartenders and discerning consumers.
COCOES will launch its Coconut Blossom Sap Beverages, made directly on the brand's own farm without artificial additives. The drinks will be available in four varieties, Original, Calamansi, Oolong & Citrus Grape, and Twist, each showcasing the natural flavour and subtle sweetness of coconut blossom sap.
Homi Kitchen will be showcasing its newly launched 'Hei Hei' Pepper Sauce from the famous Singapore Black Pepper Crab for the very first time. The Pepper Sauce delivers a bold, fiery kick, balancing a sweet soya sauce base with the aromatics of fresh ginger, garlic and chillies. A distinctive blend of black and Chinese white pepper brings depth and heat, capturing authentic Singaporean flavours in a format that makes them simple to recreate at home.
IVA PLANTS specialises in thoughtfully crafted blends made with carefully sourced herbal and black teas. Each blend is created to deliver a balanced, natural taste, free from artificial flavourings or shortcuts. At Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025, the brand will unveil its latest launch: Vanilla and Cacao Black Tea. This new blend combines high-quality Ceylon black tea with whole vanilla beans that have been naturally infused over several months, offering a rich and aromatic profile.
Also new for 2025, Ruffingtons will present a line of patisserie-style dog treats, hand-decorated and packaged as luxury gifts. Designed to celebrate the bond between pets and families, the range is free from artificial additives and crafted as edible works of art.
The Start-Up Village will once again shine a spotlight on emerging talents. CHERICO will introduce chicory-based hot drinks as a natural, low-caffeine alternative to coffee. dffrnt will showcase its small-batch kombucha, double-fermented for a dry and complex finish.
Honest Umami will highlight a new range of MSG-based seasonings aimed at shifting perceptions around umami flavour, and Kwikish will demonstrate how its Jollof Paste simplifies the process of cooking African dishes at home, offering convenience without sacrificing authenticity.
Highlighting regional stars
This year's edition of the Fair will have a new, in-depth focus on connecting independent retailers from around the UK with producers from their region.
The Regional Producer Showcase will enable retailers to shop local and connect with quality artisan brands to delight their customers.
Additionally, the Fair's new Village Square area, a bustling hub of networking and live demos at the heart of the event, will see Speciality Food Magazine hosting a number of regional product tastings, featuring brands including Welsh brand Radnor Preserves, award winning Northern Irish yoghurt brand Clandeboye Yoghurt, and Essence Foods, which makes a number of chutneys and preserves on its farm in rural Norfolk.
With such a strong line-up of new launches, regional stars and challenger brands, Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025 promises to deliver fresh inspiration for retailers, wholesalers, chefs and hospitality operators seeking products that will capture the imagination of customers.
Speciality & Fine Food Fair takes place on 9-10 September 2025 at Olympia. To find out more and register to attend, visit www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk.
Hot Weather Brings Earliest Harvest Ever at Three Choirs Vineyards
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| Image courtesy Three Choirs Vineyard |
This will not come as a surprise to Three Choirs Vineyards' winemaker Martin Fowke who is overseeing the start of the harvest this week – picking has started earlier this year than he has ever experienced in over 35 years of winemaking.
Work started on 26th August to bring in the first batch of grapes, Siegerrebe.
This year the fully ripe grapes, with high sugars and low acids, will make some very interesting wine. The vineyard grows several different varieties which ripen at different times.
A team of 16 will handpick two to three acres a day on average throughout the harvest.
According to Martin, “The weather this season is well documented, with high temperatures and levels of sunlight that we have not seen before. The earliest we have started picking prior to this year was 2018, when we started to harvest on 31st August. We have started work five days earlier this year – the earliest harvest in the vineyard’s history.
“We expect to continue to harvest approximately two weeks earlier than normal. Sugars are high across the board and acids are dropping slowly which is precisely what we want to see at this stage.
“This year we have managed to keep the grapes clean throughout the season and so we are not under pressure to pick before we have optimum analysis. This is a very different situation to last year.
“The yield also looks good. So we will have a fairly full winery by the time we reach the end of harvest”.
Three Choirs Vineyards currently produces around 200,000 bottles of award-winning wine a year. Best sellers include Classic Cuvee, Coleridge Hill, Rose and Bacchus.
Jeremy Clarkson has recently selected Three Choirs Vineyards Rose wine for his new pub The Farmer’s Dog, and demand for Three Choirs’ wines in general continues to grow.
For more information about English winemaking at Three Choirs Vineyards visit www.three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk
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