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 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.
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.
Rich sources of vitamin B6 include bread, pork, soya beans, poultry, vegetables and whole cereals. Vitamins C is readily available in a number of vegetables and fruits. These include, among others, pineapples, mangoes, strawberries and citrus juices. The vitamin is also vital in the synthesis of some neurotransmitters in the brain. It also has a general calming on the brain. Commercially available supplements may be a single vitamin or the B complex of vitamins.
Amino acids are the units that make up proteins which in turn make up all the tissues body tissues. Apart from just three types that include glutamic acid, glycine and phosphoserine, the levels of amino acids among persons living with ASD are generally reduced. Since amino acids have an integral role in neurotransmitter synthesis, the levels of these chemicals are reduced.
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 does not exist in isolation. Rather, it is part of a wider program that includes other forms of treatment such as occupational therapy, behavioural therapies and the use of pharmacological drugs. While each treatment has an important role to play in the management of autism spectrum disorder, combinations of the various strategies increase the chances of success. There is a need to consult with your doctor before trying out any of the supplements.
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.
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.
Rich sources of vitamin B6 include bread, pork, soya beans, poultry, vegetables and whole cereals. Vitamins C is readily available in a number of vegetables and fruits. These include, among others, pineapples, mangoes, strawberries and citrus juices. The vitamin is also vital in the synthesis of some neurotransmitters in the brain. It also has a general calming on the brain. Commercially available supplements may be a single vitamin or the B complex of vitamins.
Amino acids are the units that make up proteins which in turn make up all the tissues body tissues. Apart from just three types that include glutamic acid, glycine and phosphoserine, the levels of amino acids among persons living with ASD are generally reduced. Since amino acids have an integral role in neurotransmitter synthesis, the levels of these chemicals are reduced.
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 does not exist in isolation. Rather, it is part of a wider program that includes other forms of treatment such as occupational therapy, behavioural therapies and the use of pharmacological drugs. While each treatment has an important role to play in the management of autism spectrum disorder, combinations of the various strategies increase the chances of success. There is a need to consult with your doctor before trying out any of the supplements.
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