Autism is a particular chronic condition that impacts social interaction, communication, and language. Children with autism might also engage in repetitive or stereotypical behaviors. Although there is no treatment that can completely cure the autism spectrum disorder or ASD. There are several treatment options that help a lot in managing the core symptoms of ASD. And those treatment options are not at all limited to speech therapy, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, and also for some medication options.
Apart from all these treatment options, there is another option that has proven to be really helpful in autism is dietary improvement through both supplementation and diet changes. Just by improving the diet of your children with better food choices and some specific supplements for addressing autistic symptoms, you might help your child to manage daily challenges in a much better way.
Top Vitamins and Minerals With Potential Benefits For Autism
There are some supplement options that are considered really helpful for autistic children. Here is the list of supplements you can opt for for your children.
- Vitamin D.
- Vitamin B6 and Magnesium.
- Omega-3 and fish oil.
- Methyl Vitamin B-12.
- Vitamin C.
- Melatonin.
- Oxytocin.
- NAC.
- Sulforaphane.
- DMG and TMG.
- Digestive enzymes.
- Probiotics.
Now, we will discuss the top vitamins and minerals with potential benefits for autistic children.
#1 Vitamin D
Our brain consists of neurotransmitters that help our brains to develop new connections along with strengthening the existing ones. Several studies have found that children with ASD often have deficits in vitamin D.
As per a recent study, autistic children who get supplementation of Vitamin D on a daily basis have shown a decrease in the core symptoms of autism, such as social interaction and communication impairment, engaging in repetitive behaviors.
#2 Vitamin B6 And Magnesium
It might surprise you that Vitamin B6 is responsible for improving more than 60 different biological processes in the human body. All those typical multivitamins contain Vitamin B6. However, it also can be supplemented.
Magnesium is also responsible for the proper absorption of Vitamin B6 in the body. There is a specific enzyme named the PLP enzyme, which is crucial for breaking down Vitamin B6. Children with ASD often lack the effectiveness of this enzyme.
That is why Vitamin B6 and Magnesium are supplemented together for autistic children.
#3 Methyl B-12
Now, these particular vitamins are family vitamins, which play a crucial role in the functioning of the body and nervous system. Methyl B-12 comes with the ability to act on particular pathways within the brain, which results in more power or fuel for some particular brain process.
At the same time, it also reacts with folic acids in order to produce cells in the body. Research has shown that children who suffer from developmental delays have an impairment that is related to the processing of methyl B-12.
#4 Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the production of neurotransmitters. Yes, it is the chemical that assists cells in communicating. It also helps protect our bodies from free radicals. Also, we all are completely aware of the fact that Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system.
Research has found that some children with ASD might have a Vitamin C deficiency. Another theory says that children with ASD have difficulty fighting off free radicals in their bodies. Studies also have found that autistic children who take Vitamin C supplements daily show a significant reduction in stereotypical behaviors.
#5 Sulforaphane
This naturally occurring compound is found in some particular vegetables, like sprouts and broccoli. You will also find supplements for it.
A randomized control study shows that around 31% of the participants who were taking sulforaphane have shown enhancement in social interaction, reduction in aggressive behavior, and improvements in communication.
Another study has also found that 65% of the participants taking sulforaphane enhanced significantly, particularly in the area of social responsiveness.
#6 NAC
NAC, or N-acetylcysteine, is basically a supplement that increases the levels of the main antioxidants of the body. This antioxidant plays a role in contributing to the body’s natural defense system because they always protect the body from the damage of free radicals.
It has been thought that children with ASD might have lower levels of antioxidants. So, they might benefit from the NAC supplements. A number of studies have found that NAC might help in improving some symptoms of ASD in children.
#7 Omega-3 Or Fish Oil
For both eye and brain development, omega-3 fatty acids are essential. In seafood, you will find 2 types of amino acids, and the third one is found in plant oils. Autistic children have shown low levels of omega-3 in their systems.
Fish oil is one of the most popular supplements of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have found that supplementing omega-3 fatty acids have shown significant improvement in children who are suffering from autism spectrum disorder
Conclusion
User-based studies mostly show the positive effects of dietary supplements among children with ASD. But as the resources are limited, more clinical studies and trials are needed in order to reach a conclusion that supplements can help in treating autism.
