Autism is an incurable genetic disorder that affects six out of every 1,000 children and causes a wide range of physical, mental and behavioral abnormalities, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Some nutritional supplements may help to control or reduce some of the symptoms associated with autism, such as coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10. CoQ-10 is a naturally occurring, vitamin-like compound that can be manufactured and sold as a nutritional supplement for its potential health benefits. If you or your child suffer from autism, talk to your doctor about CoQ-10 before using it to treat symptoms associated with autism.
Potential Benefits
According to the "Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements," CoQ-10 is a powerful antioxidant that may benefit people with autism in several different ways. CoQ-10 boosts the immune system in autistic sufferers, which can help to protect against oxidative stress, free radical damage and viral infections. CoQ-10 may also help to improve focus and concentration. It also may help to stabilize mood in people with autism, although research in this area is limited and the effect needs to be studied further.
Evidence
According to the "European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience," individuals with autism are at more risk of cellular damage from free radicals than healthy individuals. Dr. Raphael Kellman, a board-certified physician specializing in holistic medicine, states that natural CoQ-10 levels are lower in children with autism compared with normal children, suggesting that CoQ-10 plays a role in autism spectrum disorders. CoQ-10 protects your body from the damaging effects of free radicals, which may mean that CoQ-10 can aid in the treatment of autism.
Precautions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, CoQ-10 supplements are generally considered safe with no significant side effects reported. The most common side effect associated with CoQ-10 supplementation is mild gastrointestinal distress. Because the long-term effects of CoQ-10 supplementation are largely unknown, you should only use it under the supervision of your physician, especially if you have autism.
Recommendations
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that adults take CoQ-10 in doses ranging between 30 mg and 200 mg daily. Because CoQ-10 is a fat-soluble compound, taking it with food can increase your body's ability to absorb it. Also, taking CoQ-10 at night may help your body utilize it more efficiently. Tell your doctor about any medications you or your child with autism are taking before beginning any supplement program.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Autism Fact Sheet
- "Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements"; Michael T. Murray; 1996
- Raphael Kellman: Autism
- "Biochemistry and Cell Biology"; An Analysis of the Role of Coenzyme Q in Free Radical Generation and as an Antioxidant; R.E. Beyer; 1992
- "European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience"; Increased Oxidative Stress and Altered Activities of Erythrocyte Free Radical Scavenging Enzymes in Autism; S.S. Zoroglu et al.; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
