Autism spectrum disorder, ASD is a developmental disorder characterized by a social skills and language deficits. There are many subtypes of this condition and one in every seventy children in the United States is thought to have one form of the condition or the other. Causes may be either genetic, environmental or both. Associated symptoms include seizures, sleep disturbances as well as varied sensory disorders. There are several natural supplements for autistic children that have been found to improve symptoms.
Omega 3 fatty acids are top of this list. One of the theories of autism is that the affected children may have deficiency of these fatty acids. Due to the successes that have been seen in some patients with ASD, many doctors have now incorporated them into their routine management of their patients. New randomized control clinical trials are, however, showing that the benefits may only apply to a few patients and may not be effective in each and every case. Food sources include chia seeds, canola oil, flax seeds, salmon and walnuts among others.
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.
Several vitamins have also been found to be quite effective. The main ones include vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, has mainly been shown to improve sleep patterns and gastrointestinal function in ASD patients. It is also said to have some benefits in neural function. More levels of B6 increase the formation of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in the brain. The levels of dopamine are relatively lower in ASD patients.
Vitamin C is also important for the production of neurotransmitters. In addition, it is claimed to have a calming effect on the patients. Rich sources of vitamin B6 include pork, bread, eggs, soya beans, whole cereals, poultry and vegetables among others. Sources of vitamin C are mostly fruits such as pineapple, strawberries, mangoes and citrus fruits and juices. Vitamin supplements are available as the B complex of vitamins.
Proteins are made of amino acids. A deficiency of amino acids, therefore, results in lower levels of proteins with their associated abnormalities. Amino acids are important in the formation of neurotransmitters. With the exception of glutamic acid, phosphoserine and glycine, most of the other amino acids are reduced in patients with autistic disorders. This means that their ability to synthesize neurotransmitters is reduced hence the need to supplement.
Minor but important supplements include carnosine and magnesium. Carnosine helps to improve vocabulary affected children. The supplement is requires in low doses. The deficiency of magnesium is major cause of neurological disorders. Its administration to affected children, has been shown to result in a major improvement of symptoms. There is a major reduction of panic attacks and stress. This in turn improves the quality of sleep.
Nutrition therapy should be looked at as a small part of the overall management of autism spectrum disorder. It is treatment that has to be considered alongside all the other forms of therapy including behavioural therapies, occupational therapy and the use of drugs. Each of them plays a role and collectively, holistic treatment can be achieved. It is advisable to use the supplements in close consultation with the primary doctor.
Omega 3 fatty acids are top of this list. One of the theories of autism is that the affected children may have deficiency of these fatty acids. Due to the successes that have been seen in some patients with ASD, many doctors have now incorporated them into their routine management of their patients. New randomized control clinical trials are, however, showing that the benefits may only apply to a few patients and may not be effective in each and every case. Food sources include chia seeds, canola oil, flax seeds, salmon and walnuts among others.
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.
Several vitamins have also been found to be quite effective. The main ones include vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, has mainly been shown to improve sleep patterns and gastrointestinal function in ASD patients. It is also said to have some benefits in neural function. More levels of B6 increase the formation of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in the brain. The levels of dopamine are relatively lower in ASD patients.
Vitamin C is also important for the production of neurotransmitters. In addition, it is claimed to have a calming effect on the patients. Rich sources of vitamin B6 include pork, bread, eggs, soya beans, whole cereals, poultry and vegetables among others. Sources of vitamin C are mostly fruits such as pineapple, strawberries, mangoes and citrus fruits and juices. Vitamin supplements are available as the B complex of vitamins.
Proteins are made of amino acids. A deficiency of amino acids, therefore, results in lower levels of proteins with their associated abnormalities. Amino acids are important in the formation of neurotransmitters. With the exception of glutamic acid, phosphoserine and glycine, most of the other amino acids are reduced in patients with autistic disorders. This means that their ability to synthesize neurotransmitters is reduced hence the need to supplement.
Minor but important supplements include carnosine and magnesium. Carnosine helps to improve vocabulary affected children. The supplement is requires in low doses. The deficiency of magnesium is major cause of neurological disorders. Its administration to affected children, has been shown to result in a major improvement of symptoms. There is a major reduction of panic attacks and stress. This in turn improves the quality of sleep.
Nutrition therapy should be looked at as a small part of the overall management of autism spectrum disorder. It is treatment that has to be considered alongside all the other forms of therapy including behavioural therapies, occupational therapy and the use of drugs. Each of them plays a role and collectively, holistic treatment can be achieved. It is advisable to use the supplements in close consultation with the primary doctor.
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