Autism spectrum disorder, ASD is a developmental disorder characterized by a social skills and language deficits. There are many subtypes of this condition and one in every seventy children in the United States is thought to have one form of the condition or the other. Causes may be either genetic, environmental or both. Associated symptoms include seizures, sleep disturbances as well as varied sensory disorders. There are several natural supplements for autistic children that have been found to improve symptoms.
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 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 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 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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