Autism is a developmental delay that causes symptoms including lack of eye contact and speech difficulties in children. Although the cause is unknown, many different theories exist. Some focus on poor nutrition and environmental toxins. Others concentrate on psychiatric disorders. More recent research examines the connection between autism and vitamin A deficiency. Talk to your health-care practitioner before attempting to treat autism or any other condition with vitamin-A supplementation. Overdose of vitamin A can cause a number of potentially lethal conditions.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency in autistic children may stem from allergies, viral infections or Leaky Gut Syndrome. Commonly associated with night vision, the body needs vitamin A for healthy skin, normal growth and development and enhanced immune system function. The vitamin is essential for healthy bones, teeth and collagen production. Vitamin A is found naturally in whole milk, egg yolk, yellow fruits and vegetables, liver and coldwater fish such as salmon and cod. Cod liver oil is another excellent source of the vitamin. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to vision problems and poor growth.
Research
The findings of a study conducted by Dr. Mary Megson, a developmental pediatrician in Richmond, Virginia, suggest that autism in children may be linked to the disruption of the G-alpha protein, affecting retinoid receptors in the brain. To complicate matters, autistic children often have gastrointestinal problems that can also interfere with the body's ability to adequately absorb vitamin A. The clinical trial involving 60 autistic children offers some promise as autistic children treated for several months with vitamin A showed improvement their sensory abilities.
Vaccines
Dr. Megson's study argues that certain vaccines have a negative impact on the retinoid receptors in the brain. The live viral measles vaccine -- also known as MMR -- may deplete a child's supply of vitamin A. The pertussis toxin found in the D.P.T. vaccine may also have a negative effect causing a G-alpha protein defect in children who are genetically at risk. Children who have at least one parent with a G-alpha protein defect such as night blindness, a benign tumor of the thyroid or pituitary gland or a genetic disorder similar to hypoparathyroidism in which the body fails to respond to parathyroid hormone are at higher risk. Vitamin A may work to reverse the defect.
G-Alpha Protein
The G-alpha protein defect can cause hypersensitivity, perception problems, night blindness and problems distinguishing light-to-dark shading. Retinoid receptors in the brain play a role in vision, sensory perception, language processing and attention -- all factors affecting common autistic behaviors. Damage to these pathways occurs when G-alpha protein separates from retinoid receptors. Natural forms of vitamin A may help to reconnect the retinoid receptors related to these sensory and cognitive functions.
References
- Autisable; Autism, Vitamin A and Vaccinations; Dr. Chun Wong; June 2009
- National Library of Medicine; Is Autism a G-Alpha Protein Defect Reversible With Natural Vitamin A; Mary Megson; June 2000
- Rense.com; Vitamin A Highly Effective In Treating Autism; Jeremy Burne; April 2004
- Whale: New Study Vitamin A and Autism -- Toxin in DPT Vaccine May Cause Autism; Mary Megson; January 2000
- Healing Arts; Autism -- An Overview; Lewis Mehl-Madrona
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