Multivitamins + Magnesium combo for Autism

One outcome of autism is nutritional deprivation. Ensure adequate Multivitamin supplementation for kids with Autism

Autism is a complex biological disorder linked to autoimmune illness, disorders of the GI tract, speech difficulties, etc. Though no single cause has been established for Autism, genetic and environmental factors are said to be responsible. A new theory also characterises autism as a whole-body disease which, apart from obvious behavioural disorders, may also cause abnormal enzyme function leading to poor digestion and nutrient absorption. [1]

Signs of autism and other disabilities that characterise Autism Spectrum Diseases (ASD) can show up in children as early as 18 months. But because the causes are not understood, there is no one 'cure' for autism. There is , however, a set of interventions (dietary, behavioural, etc) that enable learning and development. Multivitamin supplementation is also highly recommended. [2]

Vitamins and Mineral Supplementation for Autism Spectrum Diseases

Children with autism often very particular tastes in foods, preferring to eat the same things meal after meal. Many also have severely disrupted digestion. Even those on healthy diet often have abnormal cellular biochemistry which prevents vitamins and minerals from being utilised appropriately by their body.

Studies have shown that some children on the autism spectrum may have low levels of vitamins A, B1, B3, and B5, as well as biotin, selenium, zinc, and magnesium; while others may have an elevated serum copper to plasma zinc ratio, suggesting that they may benefit by avoiding copper and taking extra zinc to boost their immune system. Some studies have also indicated a need for more calcium.

Vitamin B6 + Magnesium

Perhaps the most common vitamin supplement used for individuals with ASD is vitamin B, which plays an important role in creating enzymes needed by the brain. In 2002 Kuriyama et al noted that some children with autism resemble children with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, an impairment of vitamin B6 metabolism treated with high doses of the vitamin [3]In several studies that used vitamin B and magnesium combination almost half of the individuals with autism showed improvement. The benefits include decreased behavioural problems, improved eye contact, better attention span, and improvements in learning. This has lead to wide use of magnesium and Vitamin B6 supplements for autistic children. [4,5,6]

In autistic children, a certain enzyme that works to break Vitamin B6 to its biologically usable form (pyroxidal-5-phosphate) doesn’t work as well. This derivative of Vitamin B6 is required in the synthesis of dopamine, which affects behaviour and is linked with feelings of pleasure. Supplying greater amount of “raw” Vitamin B6 means there is higher the eventual converted amount, which allows the child’s Vitamin B6 levels to normalize and rise. [8]

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps in brain function and deficiency symptoms like depression and confusion. In 1970s pioneering research by Dr Bernard Rimland of the Institute for Child Behaviour Research, San Diego, California showed that vitamin B6, C and magnesium supplements significantly improved symptoms in autistic children. [7]

Vitamin A

Research also shows that autistic children are lacking in vitamin A which is essential for vision. Paediatrician Megson began speculating what might happen if these children weren’t getting enough natural vitamin A. She realised that not only would this affect the integrity of the digestive tract, potentially leading to allergies. It would also disturb their vision. [8]

Lack of vitamin A means poor black and white vision. If you can’t see black and white, you can’t see shadows. And without that you lose the ability to perceive three-dimensionality. This in turn leaves you less able to make sense of people’s expressions, which could explain why some autistic children tend not to look straight at you.

Right Mineral-vitamin Balance

Vitamins or minerals supplementation is highly recommended to boost the nutritional status of a child suffering from ASD. As a parent, you’ll need to monitor their diet closely to balance their blood sugar, check for heavy metals, exclude food additives, identify food allergies and possible nutrient deficiencies, and ensure an optimal intake of essential fats.

We recommend you try MAG365 for Kids which was formerly Kids Natural Calm Liquid Multi-Vitamins. A supplement that offers the good beneficial effects of magnesium with super-soluble, bio-available calcium, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)—a substance naturally produced in the brain that helps support and helps improve mental focus.

Try our MAG265 for Kids promoting a natural calm for kids! You might be familiar with our Kids Natural Calm Liquid Multi-Vitamins we used to sell (now MAG365) that incorporated super fruits (organic pomegranate, goji, açaí and noni) and fruits (raspberry, tart cherry, cranberry, strawberry, blueberry, apple, banana, and sweet cherry aronia berry), plus vegetables and sprouts (spinach, tomato, carrot, pumpkin, pea, broccoli, onion sprouts, daikon radish, broccoli sprout powder, kale and alfalfa). The fish oil used in Kids Natural Calm Liquid Multi-Vitamins is sourced from the purest wild sardine and anchovy, fished in cold, pristine waters off South America where there are significantly less environmental impurities. The formula is rich in DHA and EPA Omega-3 Fatty Acids that are needed for good health.

Kids with Autism Spectrum Diseases are at a nutritional disadvantage. Right diet and nutritional therapy can really make a big difference to their day-to-day life.

References:

1. The effect of Magnesium Deficiency on Brain Function: Autism Spectrum Disorder, eurology, Genetics and Remedial Solutions. Available online at: http://www.theautismcentre.co.uk/articles/effect_of_Magnesium_Deficiency.pdf
2. http://special-needs.families.com/blog/why-kids-with-autism-need-vitamin-supplements
3. Kuriyama, S. et al (2002). Pyridoxine treatment in a subgroup of children with pervasive developmental disorders. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 44(4), pp. 283-286
4. S. I. Pfeiffer et al., ‘Efficacy of vitamin B6 and magnesium in the treatment of autism: A methodology review and summary of outcomes’, J Autism Dev Disord, Vol 25(5), p1995, pp. 481-93
5. J. Martineau et al., ‘Vitamin B6, magnesium, and combined B6-Mg: Therapeutic effects in childhood autism’, Biol Psychiatry, Vol 20(5), 1985, pp. 467-78
6. B. Rimland et al., ‘The effect of high doses of vitamin B6 on autistic children: A double-blind crossover study’, Am J Psychiatry, Vol 135(4), 1978, pp. 472-5
7. M. Megson, ‘Is autism a G-Alpha protein defect reversible with natural vitamin A?’, Medical Hypotheses, Vol 54(6), 2000, pp. 979-983
8. Paul Whiteley, the Sunderland University Autism Unit, ‘The Biology of Autism – Unravelled’ presentation given at the Autism Unravelled Conference, London, May 2001