Vitamins and supplements are essential for the human body to function normally. Most people think it enhances the body's functioning, required by few humans for normal growth and development. You get most of these minerals by eating a healthy diet (from certain foods). Still, people with autism often need supplements to boost low levels of vitamins in the system. Gastrointestinal issues (GI) and sleep problems are common issues in children with autism spectrum disorder.
About Vitamins & Supplements
The body requires essential fatty acids and amino acids that can only be obtained from certain foods. If you don't take the necessary amounts of nutrients, it can lead to severe illnesses. Fortunately, most of these nutrients are available in pill form that you can find on every shelf.
Foods are not the only place to find vitamins, minerals, and other essential acids anymore. The growing use of nutritional supplements (and their potential benefits) has gained the scientific community's attention. Many products are being studied with the same rigor and scrutiny applied to medication to see if many vitamins are beneficial or harmful.
Autism & Food
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects 1 in 40 children. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that impacts social interaction, language, and communication. Several treatment options are behavior therapy, occupational, speech therapy, and medication to manage autism symptoms. People with ASD often engage in repetitive behaviors and have a range of symptoms. One of these symptoms manifests through food aversions, specific preferences, and a particular routine during mealtime. That's why nutritional deficiencies are common in ASD.
At around two years old, parents should notice a change in the child's diet. Many autistic kids refuse to add new foods to the menu, stop eating baby food, or don't like nursing anymore. Most of these issues relate to behavioral patterns; working with a therapist can change your child's approach to eating.
This aversion to food is what leads to increasing gastrointestinal issues. These problems stem from the fact that children with autism spectrum can't express their physical discomfort to their parents. Not eating properly is one of the main reasons children on the autism spectrum don't get sufficient nutrients. Some of the issues they struggle with include chronic diarrhea or constipation, gastrointestinal inflammation, and a tendency to restrict food choices. Another reason is that people with autism do not process the nutrients they consume in expected ways.
Vitamin D deficiency in autism is also linked to gastrointestinal issues, although it receives little attention. However, studies have reported a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with autism.
READ MORE: How to Address Food Aversions in Autism.
How Dietary Supplements Can Help
A 2009 study by Allison E. Golnik and Marjorie Ireland found that vitamin and mineral supplements are among the "most widely recommended medical interventions for autism." They further add that it is recommended by 49% of physicians. The recent interest in clinical studies assessing the benefits of autism supplements extends beyond sleep and digestion. Eye contact, specific behavior, and depression have improved after a vitamin D and A intake. Core symptoms of autism spectrum have also improved.
Since most western diets are deficient in crucial vitamins, including iron, antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E), and magnesium and calcium, both neurotypical and autistic children need a comprehensive diet. Kids need to grow and develop their brains healthily. That's why picky eaters need to be closely supervised and make sure they receive the necessary nutrition. A doctor can help you determine the proper diet through supplementation. By improving diet through food choices, you can help your child better manage daily challenges.
Best Supplements for Autism
An autistic child may refuse certain foods (primarily vegetables and fruits) and struggle with certain textures or temperatures. While neurotypical children try new food, your baby doesn't. It would be best if you tried different approaches to help them get a balanced diet. A doctor will help you identify gaps in the diet to know what supplements need to be present in the food. You'll probably be asked to keep a log of what your child eats or refuses to eat. Always seek guidance from your pediatrician before starting the regimen.
In the following paragraphs, discover what you can introduce into an autism vitamins supplement diet, as well as the best autism supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D (or ascorbic acid) assists the neurotransmitters in the brain. It helps the brain form new connections and strengthens connections that are already present. Studies have shown that children with autism often have Vitamin D deficits, so those who received a daily intake of this vitamin saw a decrease in autism symptoms, including social withdrawal, repetitive behaviors, irritability, and hyperactivity.
Vitamin D also regulates your body's immunity and, as an antioxidant, has an impact on dopamine. So far, only a study has explored the effectiveness of Vitamin D supplementation as therapy.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a natural chemical produced by the part of the brain associated with social bonding and social interactions. More research is needed to determine the link between compromised oxytocin and autism, but there is evidence that some people might need oxytocin supplementation. In addition, studies involving oxytocin treatment are inconclusive, with children showing moderate improvements.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
Vitamin B6 is typically found in multivitamins, and it's responsible for enhancing over 60 different biological functions. The vitamin is broken down by an enzyme called PLP, but research suggests it's not as effective in children with ASD. This enzyme produces dopamine in the body, the part responsible for the brain's reward system.
Magnesium is also a vital nutrient. It ensures the proper functioning of the muscle cells of the brain, and it's found in many foods (seeds, nuts, whole grains). Studies have shown that children with autism have a magnesium deficiency, though the cause is unknown.
These two are often supplemented together since B6 can cause an upset stomach, and magnesium counters this. Research varies regarding the effectiveness of these supplements, but studies have found an increase in positive behavior in children who took these vitamins. B6 and magnesium improve speech and language in children with ASD.
Melatonin
People with autism often suffer from sleep issues. Anxiety, irregular circadian rhythm, or hyperactivity are some of the factors that contribute to sleeping disorders. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates our sleep/wake cycles, which is often missing from children with ASD. That's why melatonin is often used to treat insomnia or difficulty falling or staying asleep.
There is evidence that low levels of melatonin are associated with the severity of autism symptoms in kids. Research shows promise: the effectiveness of melatonin supplementation for ASD is high. It indicates an improvement in sleep duration and quality, as well as positive daytime behaviors. There are no side effects of melatonin, which is excellent since you can find it over the counter.
READ MORE: How to Handle Screen Time.
Probiotics
Since many children struggle with gastrointestinal issues (stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea), you can use probiotics to lessen the symptoms. According to the CDC, children with ASD are three and a half times more likely to experience gastrointestinal complications. The causes for these symptoms may include inflammation and abnormal microbes in the digestive tract. Gut bacteria act as messengers, communicating with different parts of the body. As a result, it can affect mood, attention, stress, and sleep.
While more research is needed to determine the cause, GI problems are a common occurrence. Probiotics are living organisms that can provide health benefits and are generally found in powder form. Probiotics restore the balance in the GI tract and help reduce autism-like behaviors such as social avoidance and repetitive actions.
Digestive Enzymes
These supplements are a combination of proteases, lipases, and amylases. They aid with protein digestion, fat digestion, and carbohydrate digestion. When the pancreas does not make enough digestive enzymes on its own, this supplement supports general gut health. A nutritional supplement will help your child safely digest gluten and casein, two proteins difficult to digest by people with autism. It also removes harmful proteins from the body.
In a randomized trial, it was found that receiving digestive enzyme therapy for three months improved emotional responses and GI symptoms.
Essential Fatty Acids
These acids (also called omega-3 fatty acid) are essential digestive chemicals that our body can't make on its own. Fortunately, you can find these acids naturally in various foods, such as fish, flax seeds, or canola oil. The fatty acid is good for digestion, and supplements are suitable for people that cannot eat enough food containing this acid, including allergies, inability to digest proteins, or food aversion.
In one randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study, children with autism who take supplements have fewer symptoms than those who don't. Benefits include improved language and social skills, improved attention, less irritability, and better sleep. In addition, omega-3 fatty acid boosts the immune system.
Vitamin B12
You can find this vital vitamin in some foods (fish, poultry, eggs), but your child might not get enough from this alone. B12 supports cognition, so it's an essential vitamin for neurological health. Since some children with autism are sensitive to milk products or refuse to eat them due to the texture, B12 supplements are a good option. It will ensure your kid gets this vitamin for brain and organ health, without forcing them to eat something they don't like.
Glutathione
GSH is composed of three different amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Glutathione is made by the liver and supports several functions, including DNA, proteins, and cells. The supplement helps reduce cell and liver damage, improves insulin sensitivity, and lowers the risk of Parkinson's disease. It's also an antioxidant that protects the body from toxins and toxic metals. In 2011, a paper reported that oral glutathione could reduce autism symptoms in children, but further research is needed.
Starting Your Child on the Regiment
“Where to begin?” you might be wondering. You've discovered the best vitamins for autism, but how do you start a diet?
Many promising vitamins and supplements for autism are available on the market, so it can be challenging to determine the right approach. It's critical to speak with your pediatrician about taking supplements first. Only he can determine what kind of supplements your autistic child needs and what are the most effective options. The doctor will examine your child's medical history and the current therapy. Based on the results, the pediatrician can determine the right course of action and the proper dosages. You must get the doctor's approval before starting on any diet.
Monitoring your child's responses to different supplements is vital because they might not work well in your child's body. While the supplements mentioned above for autism are common, some might not work for your child. Dr. Adams, the director of the Autism/Asperger's Research Program at Arizona State University, shares the following advice:
“We recommend that all children and adults with autism consider a 2-3 month trial of a vitamin/mineral supplement [...] By starting at a low dose, [...] there is minimal risk of adverse effects, and many children and adults are likely to benefit, sometimes substantially.”
Many studies have shown the efficacy of dietary supplements and work to improve various symptoms, such as:
- Improved language abilities and communication
- Enhanced social skills
- Reduced repetitive or problematic behaviors
- Lower levels of irritability
- Better quality of sleep
- Increased attention span
The correlation between reduced autism symptoms and improved functioning in general due to supplements is proven—and real. While there is no direct link or why it occurs, supplements seem to help. This piece of information might confuse you; that's why it's important to speak with a qualified professional about the risks and benefits. The therapist can help address feeding issues and help the child develop positive behaviors that encourage them to try new foods.
READ MORE: Healthy Snacks for Children with Autism.
Also, one final note: make sure to keep the supplements out of your kid's reach. Lock away all prescriptions as they can be lethal and dangerous when taken in overdoses. Children are curious and, at an early age, they like to put anything they see in their mouth. Make sure you keep all the supplements away from their searching hands.