Vitamins And Minerals: Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a chronic health condition where the social interaction, communication, and language of a child are impacted. Also, children who are suffering from ASD might also engage in repetitive or stereotypical behaviors throughout their lives.
Although there is no permanent cure for ASD, still with proper medication and different types of treatment options, the core symptoms of autism can be controlled and reduced.
With behavioral therapy and other therapeutic treatment options, autistic children might be encouraged to live normal lives.
The Top 3 Vitamins And Minerals To Help With Autism
It has been seen that autistic children ate too picky about their food to get enough nutrition. And in some cases, due to the deficiency of some particular food groups and nutrition, the symptoms of autism turn worse.
In this situation, advanced spectrum supplements can help a lot and here are the supplements that can be provided to autistic children.
- Vitamin D.
- Methyl Vitamin B-12.
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin B-6 and Magnesium.
- Oxytocin.
- Melatonin.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
- Omega-3 and Fish Oil.
- Sulforaphane.
- DMG and TMG.
- Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics.
Among all these, some vitamins and minerals play a huge role in improving autistic symptoms. And here, we will talk about the top 3 vitamins and minerals that help with autism.
#1 Vitamin D
It has been found that Vitamin D has an effect on the brain’s neurotransmitters. Vitamin D is responsible for assisting the brain with strengthening existing connections along with forming several new connections.
A number of studies have shown that those children who have ASD or autism spectrum disorder often have deficits in Vitamin D.
Also, in some recent studies, it has been found that autistic children who get a daily dose of Vitamin D supplements have shown a decrease in the core symptoms that are associated with ASD.
These include engaging in repetitive behavior, impairment in communication, and social interaction. Findings from that particular study also indicate that with a proper dosage of Vitamin D supplements, autistic children can be helped in improving some of the core ASD systems. But before giving any supplement to your child, consult with your doctor.
#2 Vitamin B-6 And Magnesium
You might be surprised to know that Vitamin D is responsible for improving more than 60 different biological processes in the body. In usual multivitamins, you will find Vitamin B6, but it also can be supplemented.
An enzyme named PLP is responsible for breaking vitamins in the body, and as per some research, this particular enzyme is not effective in children who are suffering from ASD. For proper production of dopamine in the body, this PLP enzyme is necessary.
Dopamine is essential for controlling the reward system of the brain.
At the same time, magnesium is another vital nutrient that ensures the proper functioning of the muscle and brain cells. A lot of foods add magnesium to our daily meals; they are whole grains, leafy vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
Research suggests that children who have ASD might have a magnesium deficiency, although the particular reason is unknown. Typically, magnesium and Vitamin B6 are supplemented together because Vitamin B6 sometimes brings unpleasant symptoms, like an upset stomach.
When it comes to the effectiveness of these particular types of supplements for autistic children, research is varied. 2 well-controlled but small studies have found no effects of combined magnesium and Vitamin B6 therapy.
Another larger study has found an increase in positive behavior among children who have taken those supplements.
#3 Methyl Vitamin B-12
Now, this one is a “family” of vitamins that play a crucial role in the functioning of the body and nervous system. Methyl B-12 always has the ability to act on particular pathways within the brain. And it eventually results in more fuel or power for some specific brain processes.
At the same time, it also interacts with folic acid in order to produce cells in the body. Studies have seen that autistic children with developmental delays usually have an impairment related to processing the Methyl B-12 within their body. And that is why Methyl Vitamin B-12 is given as an injection in order to stimulate the impaired pathways.
In the year 2016, a random control trial study examined the effects of Methyl B-12 supplements, particularly for autistic children. It has been seen that the children who get the supplement clinically improved in a number of behavioral categories, such as social responses.
The blood test results also confirmed that the children who were provided Methyl B-12 had an improvement in some particular cellular and metabolic processes.
Conclusion Vitamins And Minerals
Honestly, you cannot cure autism with supplements.
Nonetheless, they can definitely improve the quality of life of the patient and improve how they act drastically. By consulting with a doctor, you’ll know if the product can cause an allergic reaction to your child or not.