Vitamin B6 and magnesium deficiencies are common among both Aspergers and traditional autistics of varying functionality.
Children with ASDs can have poor protein intake as well as frequent nutrient deficiencies, including fiber, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron deficiencies. Food selectivity or picky eating is an important risk factor in the development of nutritional deficiencies.
Overall, the investigators found that the children were consuming vitamins and minerals in amounts typical of children without autism. They also had similar deficiencies. Most commonly these involved vitamins D, E, calcium, potassium and choline.
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Vitamin B6 and magnesium to ease autism symptoms
More than a dozen studies have suggested that supplementing vitamin B6 and magnesium in children with autism helps to ease symptoms, but the treatment remains controversial as each child's body will react differently to varying interventions.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that supplementing with vitamin B6 and magnesium improved socialization, communication, and behavior in children with autism.
Because of their sensitivity to smell, temperature, taste and texture, kids with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism are often "picky" eaters. Some develop fetishes such as only eating beige-colored foods or foods with creamy textures. They often like very sour or very spicy tastes.
Some evidence indicates that magnesium could also be involved in neurological diseases such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. However, no direct study has been published to confirm this assumption.
Can medications treat Asperger's symptoms? There are no drugs specifically prescribed for ASD. Some people with Asperger's or related conditions are able to function well in life without taking any medications. Whether or not your healthcare provider prescribes medication depends on you or your child's symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of pediatric B 12 deficiency frequently mimic those of autism spectrum disorders.
People with autism may lack the ability to recognize and label emotions, and they may have difficulty responding to social cues. This can vary from individual to individual.
Research has shown that Methyl B12, also known as methylcobalamin, can help relieve symptoms of autism. In the body, B12 assists with detoxification because it is a critical factor of the methylation pathway that helps the body make the powerful antioxidant, glutathione.
Children with ASD have been found to have lower vitamin D and calcium intake from food compared with that of their typically developing peers, and children with and without autism generally do not consume sufficient amounts of those nutrients or vitamin E, potassium, and choline, according to Ann Neumayer, MD, a ...
While the exact cause of Asperger's isn't known, many experts believe the disorder is probably triggered by a variety of factors. A combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental issues might work together to cause the syndrome.
No one thing causes Asperger's syndrome. However, research suggests that certain factors during pregnancy and after birth may put a child at higher risk of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Those factors include: A chromosomal abnormality (such as fragile X syndrome).
The cause of Asperger syndrome, like most ASDs, is not fully understood, but there is a strong genetic basis, which means it does tend to run in families. Multiple environmental factors are also thought to play an important role in the development of all ASDs.
The DSM-5 now has only one broad category for autism: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which replaces all the previous disorders within the spectrum, including Asperger's disorder, pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) and autism.
Vitamin B6 is beneficial for about half of the autistic individuals, with no significant adverse effects [3]. Decreases in behavioral problems, improvements in appropriate behavior, and normalization of brain wave activity have been documented in response to vitamin B6 treatment [3].
We have previously shown that dietary zinc supplementation for 6 weeks post-weaning can prevent ASD-associated behavioural deficits and adjust the structure and function of glutamatergic cortico-striatal synapses in Shank3 deficient mice [45].
Behavioral Improvement
It has been demonstrated that omega-3 supplements can assist in reducing restlessness and boosting energy, which promotes more effective social conduct. This is crucial for people with ASD because they may struggle to control their irritability or lack energy and experience emotional overload.
Another characteristic of Asperger's Syndrome is sensitivity to particular levels of illumination, colours or a distortion of visual perception. Some people with AS report being “blinded by brightness” and avoid intense levels of illumination.
Some more recommended food items that help autism symptoms include: Prebiotic-rich foods (apples, asparagus, leeks, garlic, onions, bananas, and chicory root) Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, and cultured vegetables like kimchi)