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 among the most well known of these nutrients. There exists anecdotal evidence that the fatty acids have helped a number of children diagnosed with the condition. It is because of this evidence that some practitioners have made It a routine supplement for all patients with ASD. This may or may not change in future if the results of ongoing randomized clinical controlled trials are anything to go by. These studies suggest that the benefit may not be universal.
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.
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.
Proteins are made of amino acids. A deficiency of amino acids, therefore, results in lower levels of proteins with their associated abnormalities. Amino acids are important in the formation of neurotransmitters. With the exception of glutamic acid, phosphoserine and glycine, most of the other amino acids are reduced in patients with autistic disorders. This means that their ability to synthesize neurotransmitters is reduced hence the need to supplement.
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 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 among the most well known of these nutrients. There exists anecdotal evidence that the fatty acids have helped a number of children diagnosed with the condition. It is because of this evidence that some practitioners have made It a routine supplement for all patients with ASD. This may or may not change in future if the results of ongoing randomized clinical controlled trials are anything to go by. These studies suggest that the benefit may not be universal.
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.
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.
Proteins are made of amino acids. A deficiency of amino acids, therefore, results in lower levels of proteins with their associated abnormalities. Amino acids are important in the formation of neurotransmitters. With the exception of glutamic acid, phosphoserine and glycine, most of the other amino acids are reduced in patients with autistic disorders. This means that their ability to synthesize neurotransmitters is reduced hence the need to supplement.
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 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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