Examples Of Natural Supplements For Autistic Children

By Dennis Peterson


Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a form of developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social skills and language. The condition exists in various subtypes that affect about one in seventy children within the United States. The underlying causes may be environmental, genetic or both. Some of the associated symptoms may include sleep disturbances, seizures and a number of sensory abnormalities. Several natural supplements for autistic children have been identified.

Omega 3 fatty acids are among the most commonly prescribed nutrients. The backing of this practice is the available anecdotal evidence that a number of children living with the condition have indeed benefited from the administration of the supplement. As a matter of fact, a significant number of physicians now use the supplement routinely in their management of the condition. A number of randomized controlled trials, however, suggest that the supplement is only beneficial to a select group of patients.

Phospholipid fatty acids form an important component of cells in the human body. They are mainly found in cell membranes. Abnormal metabolism of the phospholipids is believed to contribute to some symptoms of ASD. Some studies have also found out that autistic children generally have lower levels of phospholipid fatty acids as compared to those without the condition. Examples of dietary sources include margarine, processed meats, potato chips and butter.

Vitamins, in general, have an important role to play. The two most important are vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The B6 vitamin is also known as pyridoxine and has various benefits including an improvement in the quality of sleep and gastrointestinal function. There is also evidence that it is important in neuronal fiction. This is because of its ability to act as a precursor to an important neurotransmitter known as dopamine.

Some of the sources of the vitamin B6 are pork, poultry, vegetables, bread and whole cereals. Vitamin C, on the other hand, can be obtained from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Such will include, for example, citrus fruits and juices, mangoes strawberries and pineapple. This vitamin has also been found to be important in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Supplements exist as single vitamins or a complex.

Amino acids are the body building blocks. They make up proteins which in turn make up part of almost every tissue in the body. In autism, their main benefits include improvement of concentration, providing a calming effect and being a source of neurotransmitters. Most amino acids are in low levels in patients with autistic disorders. The only exceptions include glycine, glutamic acid and phosphoserine.

Minor supplements that are often included include carnosine and magnesium. Low doses of carnosine have been shown to cause an improvement in picture recognition and vocabulary. Magnesium deficiencies are associated with neurological deficits. When given to ASD children, the supplement significantly improved the symptoms.

Nutrition therapy is just but a small aspect of management for autism spectrum disorder. This means that It is not used in isolation. Rather, It is combined with other forms of treatment such as the use of drugs, behavioural therapies and occupational therapy among others. Each of these treatments plays an important role in the achievement of the final objective. The use of supplements should be done in close consultation with the primary physician.




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