Studies tell that out of 40 children, 1 child suffers from autism.
The key cause of autism is still unknown, and that is why there is no complete cure for this health condition. ASD or autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition where the child’s brain doesn’t develop properly, and the growth is slow.
When it comes to development and growth, vitamins and other essential nutrients and supplements play a crucial role. And that is why many parents rely on dietary supplements. However, there is no clinical proof that all those dietary supplements actually help ASD.
But several studies and users have found beneficial results and improvement in the core symptoms of ASD. Here, we will talk about whether supplements can actually make a difference.
Connection Between Vitamin And Autism
When we are talking about vitamin D, let’s start with Vitamin D. There is a connection between these nutrients with autism. This fact is found in several studies. But we will also like to state that the relationship is modest, but at the same time, the evidence is also observational.
Actually, conducting clinical studies on implementing vitamin D in order to find the exact result is a little unethical.
Autism is a developmental condition with common nutritional deficiencies that a baby is born with. It means that when the baby is growing in the mother’s womb, its development of growth is not happening at the proper rate.
That means in order to prove the relation of vitamin D with autism; one needs to conduct a clinical trial on a pregnant lady, which is completely unethical.
However, studies show that low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy are linked with a higher chance of having an autistic child. Women with lower blood levels of vitamin D are twice as likely to have an autistic child.
Till now, we have only talked about vitamin D and its relation to developing autism. Apart from this particular vitamin, there are several other vitamins that also play a major role in the development of the brain and overall health of a child.
Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and magnesium, Methyl B12 are the nutrients that also play a huge role in improving the overall symptoms of autistic children.
Not all supplements are created for pregnant mothers. And as the exact reason for autism is still unknown, we also can not work on the root of autism. This is when we look for several options for controlling the core symptoms of autism.
A lot of autism vitamin supplements are available for autistic children.
Supplements Do Make A Difference In Autism
Here are the major vitamins that are given in the supplement form in order to control some of the issues and core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
Vitamin B6 And Magnesium
Vitamin B6 takes care of more than 60 different biological processes in the body. And in order to break this vitamin, a particular enzyme, PLP, is required. It has been seen that the level of this enzyme is low in autistic children.
Now, magnesium plays a crucial role in the production of PLP enzymes, and that is why magnesium and Vitamin D are supplemented together. Also, the PLP enzyme is related to the production of dopamine, which controls the brain’s reward center.
Methyl B12
When it comes to the health of our nervous system, vitamin B12 matters a lot. This particular vitamin is known for acting on specific pathways within the brain that power or fuel certain brain processes. B12 also interacts with folic acid in order to produce cells in the body.
Autistic children usually have a lower level of B12. Supplements are given to stimulate all those impaired pathways. As a result, the core symptoms like self-stimulating behaviors, sleep disturbance, and hyperactivity can be controlled.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fats are crucial for brain development and are mostly found in seafood. Studies have shown children with autism often have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies have been conducted and shown positive results.
Fish oils are the most popular and efficient supplement of omega-3 fatty acids. There is limited evidence for omega-3 supplements for autistic children. Still, this is one of the most common supplements used for autistic children.
Make A Difference
As per several studies and user reviews, spectrum supplements actually work for autistic children. You always have to remember that supplements are not medicines, they might help you in controlling the core symptoms, but you must consider therapies and other treatment options for your autistic child.
Also, before including any type of supplement into your child’s diet, always take the word of your doctor and ask about the proper dosage.
