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 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 are important structural components of cells in the body. They make up part of the cell membranes giving cells important properties. Some of the symptoms of ASD have been shown to originate from abnormalities in phospholipid fatty acid metabolism. At the same time, ASD patients have, on average, less levels of the fatty acids than the average individual. Examples of food sources with the fatty acids include butter, margarine, processed meats and potato chips.
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 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 are important structural components of cells in the body. They make up part of the cell membranes giving cells important properties. Some of the symptoms of ASD have been shown to originate from abnormalities in phospholipid fatty acid metabolism. At the same time, ASD patients have, on average, less levels of the fatty acids than the average individual. Examples of food sources with the fatty acids include butter, margarine, processed meats and potato chips.
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 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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