There are numerous promising supplements for children with autism on the market, but scrolling through all of their nutritional benefits to find out ‘The One’ for the treatment of autism can be tricky.
Only a few studies on the effectiveness of supplementation have been completed in most circumstances, which leaves parents with more questions.
This is why your autistic child’s pediatrician is the best place to start.
Your child’s medical history, present and historical behavioral issues, and current treatment will all be examined by your pediatrician.
Thus, he will be able to help you assess the benefits and hazards of particular supplements, as well as decide the right quantities that may benefit your kid.
Why Are Dietary Supplements Important In Autism?
Dietary adjustments, including diet changes and supplements, are a suitable strategy to help autistic people who have proven to be quite beneficial.
You can help your child better manage daily obstacles by optimizing their nutrition through better food choices and selecting particular supplements to treat autism symptoms.
Recent research showed that autistic children who took daily supplementation of Vitamin D saw a reduction in their core autism symptoms. In fact, they had a subtle development in terms of social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
Having said that, dietary supplements won’t cure autism, but they will help your child stay physically active and make them feel better.
Which Supplements Are Necessary For Autism Treatments?
There are plenty of supplements available in the market, but not all of them will benefit your autistic child. Let’s find out about the necessary supplements to treat autism here:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been discovered to have an influence on the brain’s neurotransmitters.
It aids in the formation of new connections and the strengthening of existing ones in the brain.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in children with autism.
According to the findings of this study, a proper dose of Vitamin D supplement may assist in alleviating some of the main symptoms associated with ASD, which is something you should consider with your child’s doctor.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for the human brain and eye development.
Seafood has two forms of Omega 3s, while plant oils include the third variant.
According to several studies, children with autism had low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their systems compared to a control group.
Fish oil is a vitamin that can be bought over-the-counter to help with omega 3 supplementation.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that is naturally created in the brain. This chemical affects the brain region involved in social bonding and interaction.
There is tentative evidence that a faulty oxytocin system is linked to some children with autism spectrum conditions, but further research is needed to figure out why only some children show this.
Furthermore, trials including oxytocin medication for children with autism have been inconsistent, with some children exhibiting moderate social function improvements.
Hence, oxytocin medication could be a viable alternative for enhancing specific social behaviors, but further clinical studies are needed to prove its efficacy.
Vitamin B6
Over 60 different biological functions in the body are enhanced by vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is contained in most multivitamins, but it can also be obtained through supplementation.
The PLP enzyme breaks down this vitamin in the body, and some evidence suggests that this enzyme is less effective in children with autism.
The PLP enzyme is required for appropriate dopamine production in the body, which aids in the control of the brain’s reward regions.
Magnesium
Magnesium is also a necessary ingredient for normal brain and muscle cell function.
Magnesium can be found in a variety of foods, including seeds and nuts, whole grains, and leafy greens.
According to some research, children with autism may have a magnesium shortage, albeit the exact cause is yet unknown. This is why magnesium supplementation can be beneficial for an autistic child.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates our sleep/wake cycles and is produced naturally by the body.
Since many children with autism have sleep problems, melatonin supplement is frequently prescribed to treat insomnia.
In several studies, low melatonin levels have been linked to the severity of autistic symptoms in children.
Several well-controlled studies exploring the effects of melatonin supplementation for ASD have improved sleep duration and more positive daytime activities.
The Bottom Line
Autism may not necessarily be cured with supplementation, but the symptoms can surely be reduced and controlled better if the child takes autism supplements from leading brands using scientifically validated supplements.
Therefore, you must talk to your child’s doctor right away and ask more about these supplements.
If you need more help from us, let us know in the comment box below. We will get back to you with a reply in no time.
