A number of biochemical abnormalities and co-occurring medical problems are seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a medical illness.
While many nutritional supplements have been properly tested, others have not; they are frequently used to address the primary symptoms and comorbidities of ASD. According to research, consuming some drugs excessively or insufficiently during pregnancy may increase the likelihood that the baby will be autistic.
Especially during pregnancy, when the growing baby is susceptible to vitamin shortages, nutraceuticals are crucial for addressing ASD symptoms and comorbidities. This may result in a dislike of food’s flavors, textures, and aromas.
Therefore, supplements and other dietary requirements are important to suffice lost nutrition. This article will discuss the three major impacts of vitamin and mineral supplements on autistic children.
Important Vitamins For Autism
Given below are some of the most important vitamins that can help autistic children:
Vitamin D
Low doses of halibut liver oil and vitamin D have been linked to decreased preeclampsia and preterm birth rates and an increased risk of autism.
Vitamin D supplementation and influenza infections during pregnancy can help ease some symptoms of autism while activating the mother’s immune system and enhancing the expression of genes linked to autism in offspring.
According to some scientists, the flu season may be to blame for the increased risk of autism among kids born in the winter.
B Vitamins
Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is essential for treating autism and can take various forms.
Children with autism may require greater doses due to picky eating habits, gut inflammation, microbial infections, mitochondrial diseases, and the inability to convert it to its active form.
Studies investigating high doses of B6 have found advantages, with 49% of parents saying their children’s autistic symptoms had improved after taking a B6 and magnesium supplement.
Vitamin C
High doses of Vitamin C did not significantly reduce symptoms in autistic children, according to a single double-blind, placebo-controlled research.
It focused primarily on Vitamin C’s role in controlling dopamine and demonstrated a decline in stereotypical behaviors.
An in-depth investigation is required to establish the ideal vitamin C dose, therapy time frame, and adverse effects.
Important Minerals For Autism
Given below are some of the most important minerals that can help autistic children:
Iron
The central nervous system needs iron to produce neurotransmitters, myelination, and the neuro-inflammatory response.
A lack of iron can cause neurological illnesses such as restless legs syndrome, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s.
Children with autism showed varying amounts of serum iron and ferritin, indicating that iron metabolism dysregulation may play a role in autism spectrum disorder.
Magnesium
The autonomic nervous system, which regulates functions including motor coordination, heartbeat, digestion, blood pressure, muscular weakness, tremors, tics, and dysphagia, is significantly influenced by magnesium.
Low levels can result in the death of brain cells since their major functions are the creation of energy and protein synthesis.
Magnesium is essential for healthy brain function in autistic people, including learning, behavior, and emotional control.
What Are The Benefits Of Vitamins And Minerals In Autism
Here are the three most important positive impacts of vitamins and minerals that every parent must note to help their autistic children:
1. Improving Sleep Cycle
Children with autism spectrum disorder have been linked to vitamin A deficiency and sleep problems.
A lack of vitamin D was linked to poor sleep quality, and if moms received more nutrients during nursing, the children were less likely to experience sleep problems.
ASD has been linked to vitamin A, and language and social development are favorably connected with blood VA levels.
The severity of sleep disruptions was inversely linked with the degree of VAD, and children with ASD had lower blood VA levels and a greater incidence of sleep disturbances.
In children with ASD, the interplay of VA levels and sleep disruptions was linked to more severe autistic symptoms.
2. Improving Digestion
Autism spectrum disorder and eating and drinking issues have recently been linked (to ASD).
Removing toxic proteins from the body with digestive enzyme treatment may help some digestive difficulties seen in autistic children.
Digestion enzyme treatment, given for three months to 100 autistic children, was found to improve emotional reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Probiotic supplements may also be used with enzyme treatment to support digestive health further.
3. Improving ADHD Symptoms
According to research, medication can help manage the symptoms of ADHD, but there are potential adverse effects, and different drugs have different effects.
To assist their kid in managing symptoms, parents may turn to alternative natural treatments, including diet, exercise, and supplements.
Due to its capacity to lower the amount of stimulant required to operate efficiently, zinc is advised for kids with ADHD.
Supplemental iron therapy can help with ADHD symptoms because low iron levels can potentially be a concern.
Vitamin D levels should be tested and supplemented if they are low or borderline.
