Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain that typically appears in children within the first three years of life. The exact cause of autism remains unknown, but genetics appear to play a large role in the development of autism. Other possible factors include nutrition, mercury poisoning and vaccine sensitivity, among others. Treatment of autism is generally geared toward individual needs and can vary from medications to occupational therapy and speech-language therapy. Certain vitamins may benefit children with autism, but they are not intended as a treatment and should only be taken under the direction of your physician.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A has been reported to be beneficial for children with autism. Many children who suffer from autism also have retina damage, called retinopathy. Damaged retinas can cause you to have blurred vision, temporary vision loss and headaches. Vitamin A, or retinol, may help restore damage to the retinas of autistic children, improving their vision, and therefore improving their quality of life. Dr. Mary Megson of the Medical Collage of Virginia further states that vitamin A supplementation may help autistic children in other areas, such as improvement in attention and energy.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is a essential vitamin that is used in many body processes. It is suggested that the enzyme that is used to convert vitamin B-6 into an energy-releasing compound called PLP does not work well in children with autism. PLP is important in the production of the hormone dopamine, which is produced by your brain and plays a significant role in behavior. Supplementing with additional vitamin B-6 may help increase your body's natural production of PLP which, in turn, may help you produce dopamine.
Vitamin C
Some children with autism may suffer from a deficiency of vitamin C. There are two possible ways vitamin C may benefit children with autism. First, vitamin C may have a calming effect on behavior by balancing brain hormones and neurotransmitters that may be unbalanced in children with autism. Second, vitamin C may assist children with autism in the removal of damaging chemical compounds called free radicals. Evidence suggests that children with autism may have trouble removing free radicals from their body, which can lead to tissue damage. Vitamin C protects your body from the damage done by free radicals.
Vitamin D
Some research suggests that a deficiency in vitamin D may play a role in the development of autism. Exposure to vitamin D in the gestation process during pregnancy and early infancy is essential for normal brain development and functioning, according to the Vitamin D Council. Vitamin D can be found in many foods that have been fortified with extra vitamin D, such as dairy products and cereals, or from regular exposure to sunlight. Women with a deficiency in vitamin D while pregnant may have an increased risk of having a child with autism, although more research needs to be done in this field.
