Multiple Vitamin
Children and
adults with autism have poor
digestion and do not maximize the absorption of
many critical nutrients.
Because of this, autistic persons
often suffer from chronic
diarrhea and/or constipation, which hinders
the
absorption of nutrients via
digestive tract. In one study, over 50% of
children with autism were found to
have low levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1,
Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, biotin,
selenium, zinc, magnesium, some essential
amino acids, and essential fatty
acids. [7] All adults and more than half of
children with autism can benefit
from the supplementation of a high
potency multivitamin and mineral
combination. In fact, studies
have shown marked improvements in sleep
patterns and bowel habits in those
using a vitamin/mineral supplement.
This dietary supplementation also
produces a related increase in the blood levels of several
deficient nutrients. [8]
It is important to note that the
majority of individuals suffering
from autism
often have an elevated level of
copper, therefore the chosen multi-vitamin should not
include copper.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has
been studied as an adjunct treatment in
specific autistic disorders. One study
showed that supplementation with
Vitamin C reduced the severity of
symptoms in patients with autism. The proposed mechanism was by
enhancement of the dopamine pathways
in the brain.[9]
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 has
been used for several decades as a
treatment for autism. It is not a
cure, but can significantly help
reduce the symptoms of the disease. Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for the
production of many neurotransmitters
in the brain. It has been shown to
be of benefit for autistic patients
when combined with the mineral, magnesium.
In one particular clinical study, as
many as 50% of patients showed significant
improvement with B6
supplementation. And of those
30% remaining, some 20% also showed dramatic improvement
post-study. [10]
It has been suggested that some individuals with autism may
also have an inborn defect in the
metabolism of kynurenine. This
is shown by an elevation in urinary homovanillic acid (HVA). Supplementation with B6
has been shown to decrease UHA and improve symptoms scores and
behavior. [11]
Magnesium
Magnesium
is an essential mineral, used by the
body various biochemical reactions.
Although it is used primarily as an
enzyme, it is also involved in
processes associated with vital
organs, tooth and bone structure,
muscle function, enzyme activity,
and the manufacturing of protein and
DNA. This may prove extremely
relevant in children suffering from
autism, as magnesium is likely to be
deficient in the majority of these
individuals. [12] Magnesium
also enhances the effects of
Vitamin B6 when used in children and
adults with autism.[13]
Polyunsaturated Fatty
Acids (PUFA's)
Polyunsaturated
fatty acids are deficient in
many children suffering from autism. There is also
an increase in the Omega 6 : Omega 3
fatty acid ratio that can sometimes
be pro-inflammatory. [14]
The essential fatty acid DHA is
specifically low in children with
autism. This unique
polyunsaturated fatty acid is key for
proper brain
development and function. Supplementation with
essential fatty acids has proved
beneficial in study, and is often recommended by
physicians. [15]
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is
important for proper function of
cell membranes. Within the
GI tract, vitamin A promotes both healing and
structural integrity. This
nutrient is
deficient in over half of the
children with autism. In
clinical application, the supplementation with Vitamin A for 3
months improved the core symptoms of
autism including language, eye
contact, sleep, and the ability to socialize. [15]
