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.
The role of vitamin cannot be overlooked. Various vitamins have been shown to be important in varied ways with the most important being vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The former is also known as pyridoxine and helps in improving gastrointestinal function and sleep patterns among patients with ASD. The vitamin plays a role in the synthesis of dopamine, a vital neurotransmitter in the brain. Incidentally, the levels of dopamine in ASD patients is reduced.
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.
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 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.
The role of vitamin cannot be overlooked. Various vitamins have been shown to be important in varied ways with the most important being vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The former is also known as pyridoxine and helps in improving gastrointestinal function and sleep patterns among patients with ASD. The vitamin plays a role in the synthesis of dopamine, a vital neurotransmitter in the brain. Incidentally, the levels of dopamine in ASD patients is reduced.
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.
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 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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