Down syndrome is a genetic condition that interferes with normal brain and body development. Along with cognitive problems, physical problems that can occur in this condition include heart defects, dementia, hearing problems and thyroid dysfunction. Vitamins may help reduce symptoms associated with Down syndrome, but are not a treatment. Before using vitamin supplements, talk with a health care professional about whether these vitamins are safe and appropriate for your situation.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome, also called trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal condition, with one out of 691 babies born with the syndrome, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. It occurs when an individual has three copies of the 21st chromosome, instead of the usual two copies. Down syndrome causes cognitive delays that can range from mild to severe, and individuals may have eyes that slant upward, low muscle tone and a significant crease in the palm. Many individuals with Down syndrome can lead full lives and go to school and work, but they may need to utilize certain kinds of strategies like occupational or physical therapy and speech and language instruction.
Vitamins and Down Syndrome Risk
It is hypothesized that women with mutations of certain genes associated with folate metabolism may be at higher risk of having a child with Down syndrome, according to a 2008 article by David Patterson of the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and department of biological services at the University of Denver in "Down Syndrome Research and Practice." A 2010 study conducted by a team led by NA Meguid, and published in "Clinical Biochemistry," found that women who gave birth to children with Down syndrome had lower levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 than the control group. They also had lower levels of zinc and vitamins C and E. Children with Down syndrome had slightly lower levels of folic acid but significantly lower vitamin B12 levels than children who were without the condition. More research needs to be done on the effect of vitamins on the risk of having a child with Down syndrome.
Vitamins and Individuals with Down Syndrome
Folate deficiency has been associated with mental retardation in Down syndrome, and a 2010 study by H. Blehaut and associates, published in "Public Library of Science One," found that treatment with leucovorin, a folate derivative, improved the psychomotor development of children with Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome have also been found to have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 than healthy children, and supplementation has been found to be beneficial. CoQ10 may also be beneficial to help reduce the risk of heart problems, an area in which individuals with Down syndrome are at higher risk. More research needs to be done on the benefits of vitamins on Down syndrome, as study results have been mixed. Talk with your doctor before taking any vitamin supplements to see if they are appropriate for your situation.
Considerations
There is no vitamin therapy that will cure Down syndrome or treat it. These vitamins are merely supplements to promote health. More research needs to be carried out on whether vitamins can be used as therapy for individuals with Down syndrome. Before using any vitamins, talk with your doctor about whether they are safe and appropriate for you. Tell her about any other supplements or medications you are taking, to avoid adverse interactions.
References
- National Down Syndrome Society; Down Syndrome Fact Sheet; 2011
- "Clinical Biochemistry"; Homocysteine and Oxidative Stress in Egyptian Children with Down Syndrome; NA Meguid et al; 2010
- "Down Syndrome Research and Practice"; Folate Metabolism and the Risk of Down Syndrome; D Patterson; 2008
- "Public Library of Science One"; Effect of Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) on the Developmental Quotient of Children with Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Influence of Thyroid Status; H Blehaut et al; 2010
- "Pediatric Neurology"; Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Improves Oxidative Imbalance in Children with Trisomy 21; MV Miles et al; 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Coenzyme Q10; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; March 2009
