What children may need in the way of vitamin and mineral supplements
For years, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were prescribed vitamins, minerals and natural supplements. These are used to improve sleep, relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, and increase vitamin levels.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that “Many medical interventions require dietary changes.” These changes can include removing certain foods from a child’s diet or using vitamins or mineral supplements. (CDC, 2015)
In a 2009 study by Allison E. Golnik, and Marjorie Ireland, that surveyed 539 doctors, it was found that vitamin and mineral supplements are one of the most widely recommended medical interventions in autism. They are recommended by 49 per cent of physicians for children who have autism.
There has been a recent increase in the number of clinical studies that assess the benefits of autism supplementation in children, which go beyond sleep and digestion. Recently, it was noted that eye contact, behaviour and depression improved for some children with autism taking cod liver oil, which is rich in vitamins D and A.
The Western diet is deficient in many vitamins and minerals, including iron, B vitamins, vitamin C and folate, as well as magnesium and calcium.
Both children with ASD and those with neurotypical disorders need a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support their growth and brain development. Picky Eaters require closer monitoring of vitamin and mineral intake to ensure they receive all the nutrition needed.
A registered dietician or your child’s physician can tell you if your child has nutritional deficiencies. They will also help you create a diet plan that addresses these gaps.
What autism supplements do doctors most commonly recommend for children with ASD and why?
When recommending vitamins and minerals, a doctor will first look for gaps in a child’s diet. You may be asked by your child’s doctor to keep a food diary for your child over a few weeks so that your pediatrician can see what foods your child likes and which vitamins and minerals they contain.
You can also write down the foods that your child does not like and will not eat. This list may include food groups, textures or flavours as well as specific foods.
While some children get enough vitamins A, E and D, these are fat-soluble vitamins. If your child doesn’t eat enough fat to absorb them, then he/she won’t be able to. Children who follow a vegan diet might be deficient in B12, as this vitamin is only found in animal products.
Before recommending a supplement, your child’s pediatrician will likely try to include the vitamins and minerals that are lacking in their diet. This is because our bodies prefer this method of nutrition. If this isn’t possible, then your pediatrician will prescribe liquid vitamins, sublingual vitamins, chewable pills, or swallowable tablets.
Ask your pediatrician for advice before you start your child on any supplement regimen. You can also ask your doctor to gradually increase the dose of supplements. Supplements will be tailored to the unique nutritional needs and bodies of your child, but certain supplements are recommended more often for children with ASD.
Melatonin and autism
Around half of ASD children struggle with sleeping. This can be due to a number of factors, including anxiety or an irregular circadian cycle, side effects from medication or hyperactivity. Melatonin, a supplement that regulates sleep and wake cycles, is available. It is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland of the brain.
The most abundant sources of melatonin are nuts, seeds and bananas. These foods make great evening snacks. Your pediatrician might suggest a melatonin supplement if the foods that contain it are scarce and your brain does not produce enough. Melatonin can be purchased over the counter and most commonly in a sublingual form (dissolves beneath the tongue). Your doctor can recommend a specific dosage, which is typically buildable according to your child’s requirements.
Can probiotics help with autism symptoms?
Gastrointestinal distress (GI) is another problem that many children with ASD experience. According to the CDC children with ASD have a three-and-a-half times greater risk of experiencing GI complications than neurotypical peers. Researchers believe that gut bacteria is linked to autism severity. However, this link is still being debated in the medical community and most of the evidence available is anecdotal.
A pediatrician should evaluate children who have frequent, chronic or prolonged GI distress. The doctor may refer the child to a gastroenterologist who can perform further tests. Doctors may prescribe probiotics, in particular Bacteroides fragileis. In animals with ASD-like behaviours,, it reversed ASD-related behaviours and normalized gut microbiota. It also improved gut barrier integrity.
Some doctors prescribe Bacteroides fragile probiotics to children and find it helps ease their symptoms.
Studies have shown that vitamin D can reduce the symptoms of ASD
A study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, found that children with ASD supplemented Vitamin D3 showed improvements in symptoms and signs related to ASD. Amber Tovey is the Program Manager of the Vitamin D Council and summarizes the research in the following way:
After four months of vitamin D supplementation, the core symptoms of ASD were significantly improved. These included irritability and hyperactivity as well as social withdrawal, stereotypical behaviour, inappropriate speech, and stereotypic behaviour. The placebo group showed no significant improvement.
The children who were given vitamin D supplements showed increased social awareness and cognitive cognition in comparison to the children who received a placebo. Vitamin D supplementation decreased repetitive movements, noises, jumping and restricted interests.
Can too much folic acid cause autism?
C. Mary Bear and colleagues (2011) studied whether too much folate in utero or after birth (via prenatal supplements), could cause autism. The study was inconclusive, and further research is needed. However, it noted that there are no studies that prove that folic acids cause nerve tissue damage. Therefore it suggested that too many folic acids could cause nervous tissue damage that leads to autism. You may want to check your child’s blood folic levels to ensure that he/she receives the right dosage.
Although further studies were suggested for 2011, no conclusive evidence has yet been published.
Autism symptoms can be eased by magnesium and vitamin B6
The treatment is controversial because each child’s body reacts differently to different interventions. It is believed that children with ASD will show better behaviour if they are given vitamin B6 or magnesium in their diet.
While many well-controlled studies have noted an improvement in eye contact, there are a variety of specific improvements that range from improved impulse control to better social interaction and communication.
Children with autism should have their B6 and Magnesium levels monitored, whether or not they are taking a supplement. This is because magnesium levels in ASD children tend to be lower and this is necessary for proper B6 absorption and utilization in the body. Both are essential nutrients.
Start your child’s supplement regimen
It is important to consult a registered dietician or pediatrician before you begin exploring supplements for autism in your child. Monitoring your child’s response to supplements is important as some may interact with other medications or be harmful at high doses.
These autism supplements are the most common ones prescribed for children. However, they may not work for your child or may be inappropriate. Blood or urine tests are the most accurate ways to monitor your child’s vitamin levels. They should be done as often as recommended by your doctor to make sure that supplements are taken at the therapeutic level.
You can help your child’s teacher or therapist by letting them know what supplements they take. This will allow you to note any changes in their health and behaviour.
Dr Adams shares his advice with parents who are considering supplementation for their children.
We recommend that children and adults with Autism consider a 2-month trial of a specific vitamin/mineral product designed for people with autism, similar to that used in our study. Starting with a small dose and increasing it gradually, there are minimal risks of adverse effects. Many children and adults will benefit, sometimes significantly.” ( Adams 2018)
As with prescriptions, you should keep all supplements out of reach of your children. They can be lethal or dangerous if taken in an overdose.
References
Adams, J. B., Ph.D. (2018). Vitamin/Mineral Supplements For Children and Adults With Autism. Retrieved from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/vitamin-mineral-supplements-for-children-and-adults-with-autism/
Saad, K., Abdel-Rahman, A. A., Elserogy, Y. M., Al-Atram, A. A., El-Houfey, A. A., Othman, H. A., . . . Abdel-Salam, A. M. (2018, January). Randomized controlled study of vitamin D supplements in children with autism spectrum disorders. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27868194
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (2015, 24 February). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html
Tovey, A. (2018, June 21). New Research Suggests Vitamin D Beneficiates Children with Autism. Retrieved from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/vitamin-d-benefits-children-autism/
