Autism related disorders have continued to become more common in the United States and throughout the world. Although autism is considered a chronic affliction that will follow a child into adulthood, emerging research has shown that autism can be treated with great efficacy through psychotherapy and nutritional support -- especially if steps are taken to help the child at a young age. One area that has become popular has been the benefits of vitamin supplements for children suffering from autism. In addition, vitamin supplementation research for children with autism has continued to develop with results that have given hope to those with loved ones suffering from the disorder.
Treating Autism with Vitamin B3
Autism is a disorder that results in social impairment and a lack of communication skills in people with a set of symptoms, specifically in the inability for those with the condition to understand social cues from other people. Vitamin B3 has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow, which has led many people to try using the supplement to help patients with the behavioral problems that result from the symptoms. However, research is still unclear as to exactly what causes the disorder within the brain or the effect B3 has on the brain's function in those with autism.
The Lack of Research on Vitamin B3 and Autism
Despite the numerous claims on the Internet and with physicians, there has still been very little scientific research on whether vitamin B3 has an effect on patients suffering from autism. Most of the reputable research focuses on the benefits of psychotherapy in treating autism, but very little exists that provide evidence for certain supplements and vitamin B3 helping the effects of autism. Instead, most treatment and research looks at behavioral interventions and psychoactive drugs that are used to help treat the specific symptoms that occur with autism.
Vitamin B6 Benefits for Autism
Even with the lack of research on vitamin B3 for Autism related disorder, vitamin B6 has been shown to help patients suffering from the condition. For example, researchers have found that B6 greatly raised serotonin levels in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, it is still unclear as to the extent that serotonin levels play on the etiology and outcome of autism related disorders. Additionally, all supplements should be used as an adjunctive treatment to psychotherapy and psychoactive medication in treatment of the disorder.
Psychotherapy Remains the First Line of Treatment
Despite the growing number of published research articles in support of nutritional supplements for autism, psychotherapy is still the best choice for helping children with their social interaction and communication skills. Specifically, Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is considered the first line of treatment for autism related disorders. ABA uses the power of rewards and consequences to help children understand proper social interaction and behavior by having them work on social cues from a therapist until it is ingrained into their behavior.
References
- "Pediatrics"; Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders; Scott M. Meyers, M.D., et. al; November 2007
- "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Abnormally High Plasma Levels of Vitamin B6 in Children with Autism Not Taking Supplements Compared to Controls Not Taking Supplements; James B. Adams, Ph.D, et. al; 2007
- Selfgrowth.com; Child Health - How to Treat Autism With a Nutritional Perspective; Kyle J. Norton
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