Vitamin Therapy For Ocd & Autism

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder causing irrational fears that lead to repetitive behaviors as a means of easing stress. Although autism is not yet fully understood, it appears to be a developmental disorder typically recognized in early childhood, causing unresponsiveness to other people and the surrounding environment. OCD and autism share a connection as both appear to be connected to changes in brain chemicals, including the neurotransmitter serotonin. Conventional therapies are the standard treatment, but ask your doctor about taking vitamins that can help support brain function.

Vitamin B-6

B vitamins appear to be important in both OCD and autism. Along with being necessary for converting food into an energy form the body can use, vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, is also needed for proper functioning of the nervous system. It plays an integral part in the manufacturing of the neurotransmitter serontonin and is crucial for brain development and growth. Vitamin B-6 is a water soluble vitamin that may help alleviate symptoms of OCD and autism by keeping serotonin levels stable. Vitamin B-6 is available as a dietary supplement and is found in poultry, salmon, tuna, liver and dairy products.

Niacin/Inositol

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a water soluble vitamin that is also necessary for converting food into usable energy, fat metabolism and to insure the nervous system functions effectively. Niacin is also available in two other forms, nicotinamide and inositol. Although more clinical studies are needed, a report published in the medical journal "Progress in Neuro-pyschopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry" states research into the use of inositol to alleviate symptoms of OCD appears "encouraging." Niacin may also help reduce stress levels in autism. Ask your doctor about the correct dosage, as this vitamin can be toxic in high doses.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in many foods and is also available as a dietary supplement. Vitamin C functions include metabolism of protein and synthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" states taking 5,000 to 20,000 mg of vitamin C daily is useful in the treatment of autism as a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the brain by removing harmful free radicals. Talk to your doctor about the dose that is right for you or your child. Vitamin C is found in a number of foods, including citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, strawberries and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, a fat soluble vitamin, is a strong antioxidant that works together with vitamin C to remove free radicals. The brain is particularly susceptible to damage by free radicals, so vitamin E may be of some benefit in the treatment of autism. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" states taking 200 to 600 mg of vitamin E daily vitamin can help improve circulation to the brain and overall brain function in autism. Ask your doctor about the correct dosing for you. Vitamin E is also found in some foods, including almonds, hazelnuts, canola oil, olive oil and avocados.