Asperger's & Spirulina

Asperger's disorder is a type of pervasive developmental disorder that is first diagnosed in childhood. Children with the disorder often have difficulty relating to others and show signs of social delay in the context of normal language and cognitive skills. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" describes Asperger's as a "substantial delay in social interaction and the development of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities." Given its similarities to autism, the disorder is often referred to as "high functioning autism," or an "Autistic Spectrum Disorder," ASD. As such, most of the research conducted on nutritional issues related to Asperger's is found in studies related to ASDs as a whole.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a fresh water blue-green algae. Spirulina contains many vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. However, one of its most distinguishing features is that the plant is one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin B-12. Because spirulina is able to withstand heat, its nutritional value does not decline with temperature, which is the case with many plants sources of vitamins. Given its high level of vitamin B12, spirulina is included in the groups of plants, animals and supplements that scientists examine when they study the role that B-12 plays in mental health.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Nutrition

In 2002, a group of researchers in Tanzania examined the role of dietary choices in autistic spectrum disorders, ASD. Sometimes, children with these disorders are difficult eaters because of cognitive, social or psychological difficulties, which can lead to vitamin deficiencies. To test this hypothesis, the researchers interviewed parents with children diagnosed with ASD about their child's eating habits. A portion of these children were on gluten free and casein free diets, which may also lead to altered food choices. The results, which were published in the "Journal of Human Nutrition and Diet," revealed that a significant number of the children not on a special diet were deficient for zinc, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B-12 and riboflavin. The scientists go on to state that children with ASD should consume increased levels of fruits and vegetables rich in these compounds.

Vitamin B-12 and Autism

Vitamin B-12, and foods rich in the vitamin such as spirulina, have been used as supplemental treatments for mood disorders like depression. Researchers at the University of California at Davis in 2010 looked at the possibility that vitamin B-12 may help reduce behavioral difficulties in children with autism and autistic spectrum disorders. They administered methyl B-12 to treatment and placebo groups of patients for 12 weeks. While the results, which were published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medications," did not show a significant improvement in the behaviors of the children, the study did reveal a general decrease in autistic symptoms following the vitamin B-12 exposure. The scientists explain that they believe this happened because the vitamin offered oxidative protection against the disease at a cellular level.

Putting It All Together

As of 2011, the FDA had not approved spirulina, or any other vitamin B-12-rich substances or foods, for the treatment of Asperger's or Autistic Spectrum Disorders in general. Research on Asperger's and nutrition has not shown clinically significant results regarding the uses of spirulina. However, numerous studies do show that foods with high levels of vitamins and minerals may offer protection against a wide variety of diseases at the cellular level because of their oxidative properties. Individuals interested in adding supplements should consult a doctor prior to starting any nutritional plan.