One out of every 80 to 240 children has autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Three different conditions fall under the category of autism spectrum disorders: autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. These conditions cause problems with social skills and behavior. In addition to traditional treatment options for autism, you may consider alternative options, such as vitamin B-6 therapy. Before giving your child vitamin B-6 supplements, consult your child's doctor.
Theory
Vitamin B-6, also called pyridoxine, may help reduce your child's autistic symptoms. The Ohio State University Medical Center notes that autism patients have a reduced level of the enzyme that converts vitamin B-6 to its active form. Your child's doctor may suggest that you add magnesium to the vitamin B-6 therapy, which is a mineral that is sometimes low in autism patients.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of vitamin B-6 has not been conclusively proven. The University of Michigan Health System cites three studies in which vitamin B-6 supplements benefited children with autism. One of these studies was done with 44 autistic children, while the other two studies had 12 and 16 autistic patients. But not all the studies on vitamin B-6 and autism have found an effect. In a literature review of vitamin B-6 and magnesium studies in autism patients, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Department of Education found insufficient evidence to make a conclusion on the treatment's effectiveness.
Sources
If you and your child's doctor decide that vitamin B-6 therapy can be of benefit, you can give vitamin B-6 through foods or supplements. Several foods contain vitamin B-6, such as peanut butter, oatmeal, fortified cereal, beans and bananas. Meat and poultry also contain vitamin B-6. If you are concerned that your child is not getting enough of the vitamin through diet, consider consulting a dietitian. Another option is a supplement, though you should only give your child vitamin B-6 supplements under the guidance of a doctor.
Dosage
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B-6 depends on your child's age. For example, if your child is between the ages of 4 and 8, the recommended amount is 0.6 mg a day. Between the ages of 9 and 13, the recommended amount increases to 1.0 mg a day. The University of Michigan Health System recommends 3.5 mg to 100 mg per 2.2 lbs. of your child's weight to help with autism symptoms. Since the amount of vitamin B-6 can vary from patient to patient, consult your child's doctor beforehand.
Considerations
If you give your child vitamin B-6 supplement as part of the therapy, do not give more than the doctor recommended. At high doses, vitamin B-6 can cause nerve damage, presenting as symptoms such as tingling or numbness. Your child may experience some side effects with the supplements, such as a loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain and vomiting.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About ASDs
- The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Department of Education: Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders
- University of Michigan Health System: Autism
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Autism
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: What is B6 and Magnesium?
- MedlinePlus Supplements: Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
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