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 among the most commonly prescribed nutrients. The backing of this practice is the available anecdotal evidence that a number of children living with the condition have indeed benefited from the administration of the supplement. As a matter of fact, a significant number of physicians now use the supplement routinely in their management of the condition. A number of randomized controlled trials, however, suggest that the supplement is only beneficial to a select group of patients.
Phospholipid fatty acids are a part of cell membranes of all body cells. Research has shown that abnormalities in the metabolism of these membranes may indeed be a contributing factor of some of ASD symptoms. Other findings also show that the levels of these fatty acids are lower in ASD children compared to those without it. Dietary sources include butter, margarine, potato chips and processed meats among others.
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.
Some of the minor but useful supplements are magnesium and carnosine. Magnesium is important in a number of physiological processes. One of the manifestations of its deficiency is neurological dysfunction. When administered to children with ASD, a major improvement in symptoms such as stress and panic attacks is achieved. Carnosine helps in building up vocabulary and picture recognition.
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 among the most commonly prescribed nutrients. The backing of this practice is the available anecdotal evidence that a number of children living with the condition have indeed benefited from the administration of the supplement. As a matter of fact, a significant number of physicians now use the supplement routinely in their management of the condition. A number of randomized controlled trials, however, suggest that the supplement is only beneficial to a select group of patients.
Phospholipid fatty acids are a part of cell membranes of all body cells. Research has shown that abnormalities in the metabolism of these membranes may indeed be a contributing factor of some of ASD symptoms. Other findings also show that the levels of these fatty acids are lower in ASD children compared to those without it. Dietary sources include butter, margarine, potato chips and processed meats among others.
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.
Some of the minor but useful supplements are magnesium and carnosine. Magnesium is important in a number of physiological processes. One of the manifestations of its deficiency is neurological dysfunction. When administered to children with ASD, a major improvement in symptoms such as stress and panic attacks is achieved. Carnosine helps in building up vocabulary and picture recognition.
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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