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Vitamins for Autistic Children

May 28, 2011 | By Erica Wickham
Vitamins for Autistic Children
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Most children receive the nutrients they need from a healthy, well-balanced diet, but children with autism typically consume a limited variety of food, experience mealtime behavior problems and suffer from chronic gastrointestinal disorders that interfere with their ability to digest and absorb nutrients properly. Autism is a developmental disorder involving the brain that affects a child's ability to communicate, interact, learn and behave in an appropriate manner toward others. While the exact cause of autism is unknown, research has demonstrated that autistic children tend to be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. Although micronutrients are needed in small amounts, they are necessary for proper growth, development, brain function and optimal health.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are normally stored in the body's fat tissue. Children with autism might suffer from vitamin deficiencies because they do not consume an adequate amount of fat-soluble vitamins in their diet or their bodies are not able to store them for later use. Vitamin A is essential for language processing, cell growth, tissue health, sensory perception and attention skills. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that fights off free radical damage. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption and transport to cells, and vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone formation. It also is used to convert glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver. Since autistic children tend to eat a poor diet made up of only a few foods, they often suffer from multiple vitamin deficiencies.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin with important antioxidant properties. It is necessary for immune function, wound healing and the prevention of chronic disease. Autistic children are prone to deficiencies of this vital antioxidant and vitamin. Vitamin C deficiencies can result in developmental delays, weakness, fatigue, pain, swelling, gum disease and frequent colds. Supplementation of vitamin C has been shown to help detoxify the body, excrete harmful heavy metals and improve behavior.

B Complex Vitamins

The B complex vitamins are essential for mental processing, amino acid production, energy metabolism, normal nervous system function, maintenance of healthy cells and immunity. A deficiency in one or more of the B vitamins can result in depression, memory loss, irritability, neurological changes, confusion, inflammation of the brain, developmental regression and emotional problems. Evidence suggests that vitamins B-6 and B-2 improve behavior among the autism spectrum and folate relieves certain autistic symptoms when given in therapeutic doses.

Minerals

Minerals are important for a variety of reasons. Calcium is required for the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain and the release of neurotransmitters from neurons. Iron transports oxygen to the brain and is needed to produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. Magnesium increases blood flow to the brain, while selenium improves immunity and pancreatic function. Deficiencies in these important minerals can cause poor performance, decreased attention span, difficulty learning, loss of memory and impaired mental function. Autistic children should therefore receive vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Enzymes

Autistic children lack essential enzymes that help break down food not completely digested in the gastrointestinal tract. Supplementing these enzymes prevents the buildup of neurotoxic molecules and excretion of important compounds.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 oils are vital for a healthy brain, immune system, heart, cholesterol levels, skin, joints, eyes, concentration and attention span. Cod liver oil and cold water fish are rich in omega-3, EPA and DHA, which help support the brain and nervous system. Autistic children typically lack these important nutrients, so supplementing essential fatty acids is beneficial in the treatment of autism.

References

Article reviewed by Shawn Candela Last updated on: May 28, 2011

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