Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a developmental impairment. It is a health condition, and that is why it does not have any cure. At least to date.
Several types of research are being conducted to know the exact cause of autism so that the proper treatment and cure can be developed. Studies have found that among every 40 children, at least 1 child suffers from ASD. Several therapeutic approaches, along with medicines, are used to improve the condition and associated symptoms of autism. It has been seen that autistic children often suffer from several nutrient deficiencies due to their specific food preferences. All the nutrients, especially vitamins are crucial for proper brain development. And it has been seen that children with autism often lack those. Here, supplementing those vitamins and nutrients is a great option.
Top Vitamins And Minerals For Treating Autism Backed By Science
Along with a lot of usual therapy and medications, supplementations also can help to improve the symptoms and challenges of autism. That is why we are here to guide you with the top vitamins and minerals for treating autism spectrum disorder.
Vitamin B6
If you have tried any multivitamin before, you might know that vitamin B6 is the main constituent of every multivitamin. But taking a suitable dosage of vitamin B6 after consulting with your doctor can bring you really impressive benefits.
Several studies have shown that supplementation of vitamin B6 along with magnesium can improve social interactions, behavior, and communication in people who have ASD or autism spectrum disorder.
When you are considering and working to improve the speed of your autistic child, the supplement of vitamin B6 and magnesium can work really well.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a major role in generating and also regulating the neurotransmitters along with protecting our nerve cells. Among the family of vitamin B12, only methyl-12 comes with the ability to activate the homocysteine/methionine biochemical pathway directly. Which automatically improves autistic behavior.
This pathway is responsible for the entire sulfur-based detoxification system of the body. It is also crucial for SAMe or S-adenosylmethionine’s formation, which is the universal methyl donor.
Apart from all these, this specific pathway is also responsible for homocysteine formation. It is the crossroads molecule, which is responsible for either creating taurine, glutathione, and cysteine; or for reforming SAMe and methionine.
Among all these, glutathione is the primary intracellular antioxidant of the body that plays a crucial role in several detoxification reactions. They involve the removal and binding of lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, tin, nickel, and antimony, along with some other heavy metals, which bond to glutathione’s sulfur group as well.
Children who have ASD or autism spectrum disorder mostly show behavioral improvement after they are given B12 vitamin supplements or shots under the doctor’s supervision.
Vitamin C
We all know how harmful; free radicals are to the immune system and brain of humans. In order to prevent this damage, antioxidants help a lot. And when we are taking the name antioxidant, we must mention vitamin C as well.
Studies have stated that vitamin C can effectively lower stress levels. It also has been seen that in autistic individuals, the stress levels are above the normal level. Another study also found that with high doses of vitamin C, autistic children might experience improvement in sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
It has been seen that for most people, vitamin C is harmless. But the tolerance power for vitamin C might vary from one individual to the other. That is why you must keep closer track of your child, whether they are showing any sign of diarrhea or upset stomach.
We will always recommend you consult with your pediatrician before giving vitamin supplements to your children.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements can help in reducing the effect of ASD, as per a recent study. Each cell in the brain consists of vitamin D receptors. And all these receptors are responsible for controlling gene expressions or, in simple words, how genetic material is being used.
It means vitamin D is involved in proper brain function. This particular vitamin protects the brain tissue as well. By stimulating neurotrophins’ production, which combats toxicity from a number of sources, like toxic levels of intracellular calcium, it protects the brain.
Oxidative stress is a common thing among individuals with ASD. It results in the early death of cells. According to scientific reports, vitamin D mitigates oxidative stress. That is why vitamin D supplements play a crucial role in improving the entire condition.
