Autism is a lifetime disorder that often begins in early childhood and has no cure. The key characteristics of autism include abnormal communication and social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Physicians often treat autistic patients with communication and behavioral therapies and prescribe medicines to control symptoms. Certain vitamins and minerals are associated with development of autism and may help to control symptoms of the disorder. Consult your doctor about taking vitamins and minerals for autism.
Vitamin B-12 and Folate
A deficiency of vitamin B-12 and folate, a B-vitamin, is associated with autism. These vitamins work together to produce an amino acid called methionine and DNA. Research by scientists at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock and published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in January 2009 discovered that autistic children treated with 75 micrograms per kg of vitamin B-12 and 400 micrograms of folinic acid for 3 months showed increased production of methionine and substances containing methionine, which the scientists conclude may provide clinical benefits.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Autism is associated with vitamin D deficiency that may begin prior to birth due to a deficiency in the mother, according to research published in "Dermato-endocrinology" in July 2009. Research by scientists at the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt, and published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" in June 2010 found that blood levels of vitamin D are deficient in children with autism. The scientists also discovered a deficiency of calcium, which may be associated with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium from food into the body.
Vitamin B-6 and Magnesium
Deficiencies of vitamin B-6 and magnesium are associated with autism in children. Increasing dietary intake of vitamin B-6 and magnesium from supplements may enhance the nutritional status and improve the symptoms and behavior in autistic children. Research by scientists at the University of Caremeau in Nimes, France, and published in "Magnesium Research" in March 2006 found that autistic children have lower blood levels of vitamin B-6 and magnesium than nonautistic children. The scientists also discovered that autistic children treated with vitamin B-6 and magnesium supplements showed higher blood levels of vitamin B-6 and magnesium and improved symptoms and experienced better communications and social interactions, with less abnormal and delayed functioning.
Trace Minerals
Certain trace minerals are either deficient or above normal in autistic children. Research by scientists at Bharathi Women's College in Tamil Nadu, India, and published in "Biological Trace Element Research" in July 2010 found high levels of copper, lead and mercury in the hair and nails of autistic children compared with healthy children and that the higher the level, the more severe the symptoms. The scientists also discovered below-normal levels of magnesium and selenium.
References
- MedlinePlus; Autism; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University; Vitamin B12; Victoria Drake; August 2007
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Efficacy of Methylcobalamin and Folinic Acid Treatment on Glutathione Redox Status in Children with Autism; Jill James, et al.; Jan 2009
- "Dermato-endocrinology"; Epidemiologic Evidence Supporting the Role of Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor for the Development of Infantile Autism; William Grant; Jul 2009
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Reduced Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxy and 1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D in Egyptian Children with Autism; Nagwa Meguid, et al.; Jun 2010
- "Magnesium Research"; Improvement of Neurobehavioral Disorders in Children Supplemented with Magnesium-Vitamin B6. Ii. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Autism; M. Mousain-Bosc, et al.; Mar 2006
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