Everyone should take
vitamins, so why is this even a topic? The research behind vitamins and
possible deficiencies that contribute to autism is abundant and interesting.
I'm going to try my best to condense the information in this blog. It is
important to remember I am not a dietitian or nutritionist. This is information
I have found from medical sites and research. If you suspect your child suffers
from a vitamin deficiency please talk to their pediatrician.
Vitamins A, B6, B9, B12,
C, and D seem to have the greatest focus as far as research is concerned. For
simplicity sake we'll address each in alphabetical order.
Vitamin A: The mayo clinic lists
the symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency, here are some of them: fatigue, shortness
of breath, pale/yellowish skin, weight loss, numbness in hands and feet, among
many others. Vitamin A has been long linked to eye health. This article touches on the possible effects of vaccines on health. I don't
particularly believe this, so I skimmed over that part. What I did learn is
there are proteins in your body called G-proteins and these proteins. These
proteins are involved in transferring the signals coming from the senses as
well as the pathways to the body for fats and glucose, with the help of Vitamin
A. One of the receptors for the signals controls the rod cells in your eye's retina;
they are thickly clustered around the edge of your retina, the outer part of
the eye. Rods convey shading, depth, and allow us to see in black and white.
The theory proposed by the Doctor in this study is that when Autistic children
look away from you, they are doing this so the light reflected from your face
lands on the retina.
Some physicians find
this article out of reach, but parents of Autistic children find her therapy
exciting. Vitamin A deficiency is rare in middle and upper class families, but
is common in the US among low income groups. Vitamin A is found naturally in
liver, dairy, and dark green vegetables. Another possible reason for Vitamin A
deficiency is from malabsorption of fats from celiac disease or infectious
hepatitis. A zinc deficiency can also trigger a Vitamin A deficiency. If you
would like to read more about Vitamin A deficiency and its effects on Autism,
please consider these links:
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 deficiencies are listed here, but include:
sores on the tongue, convulsions, skin inflammation, and depression. B6 has
been linked to over 100 enzymatic reactions within the body, including
production of neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and glutathione (needed
for detoxification). In 2006 researchers in France conducted a large research
group. They determined that B6 and magnesium therapy improved communication,
behavior, and aids in normalizing the chemistry of children with ASD. In 2002
the American Journal of Epidemiology published a study of 2,566 children. The
study found that less than 14% of boys and 12% of girls had adequate intakes of
magnesium, associated with lung function. Low magnesium, according to this
study, can provoke leaky gut syndrome. I discuss leaky gut more in my blog Autism and GI Issues.
This study points out that dietetic factors can play a significant role in ADHD
and disruptive behavior. It is important to note that Magnesium and B6 is not
the same thing, but they are closely used in therapy.
B6 is found in beans,
nuts, and cereals. Magnesium is found in leafy vegetables, grains and nuts, as
well as meats and dairy. Magnesium helps turn food into energy and works in
hormone production for bone health.
Vitamin B9: Also known as folic acid, B9 helps produce
and maintain new cells. It also helps maintain normal levels of multiple
hormones and amino acids. Signs of vitamin B9 deficiency are not limited to, but include: headache,
nausea, fatigue, acne, memory loss, and depression, among multiple others.
Folic Acid has long been linked to healthy pregnancy. There is now evidence
that cerebral foliate deficiency has been linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
In the research articles I read there seems to be an accent on CFD and low
functioning Autism. Folic acid can be toxic at high levels. Before electing to
give your child high doses of folic acid, please consult a doctor.
B9 can be found
naturally in broccoli, brussel sprouts, and peas. Safe amounts can be found in
multivitamins.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 makes red blood cells,
promotes nervous system health, helps to regulate the release of energy, and
processing folic acid, among other important functions. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include diarrhea or
constipation, fatigue, pale skin, concentration issues, difficulty with
balance, and tingling in hands and feet, among others. One of the functions of
B12 is to reduce inflammation as a baby leaves its mother's womb. Researchers
speculate strongly that inflammation is directly linked to Autism. As B12 works
with the cells of the body it plays a key role in a process called methylation.
Methylation makes every single cell in your body. After a child is conceived
the cells of the womb that will become the fetus go through a demethylated
process. According to one study published by Treat Autism, there is increasing
evidence that "the role of methylation in the interaction of environmental
factors with genetic expression is playing a role in developmental issues like
autism and ADHD." Basically the first six days of fetal life are critical
as far as maternal care; any change in maternal care during those first six
days can greatly impact the methylation patterns in some genes. This article
speculates that inflammation, Autism, and ADHD are linked to impaired
methylation. Doctors speculate that supplementing with B12 can help repair the
current methylation process within a person, eventually correcting deficiencies
in social, cognitive, and language development.
B12 can be found
naturally in fish, shellfish, crustaceans, beef liver, Swiss cheese, beef,
eggs, and cereal.
Vitamin C: Also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C
deficiency is also known as scurvy. Vitamin C is needed for growth and repair
of tissues in the body. Since Vitamin C is not stored within the body a
constant supply is necessary for cell health. Vitamin C has been shown to have
a calming effect on behavior. Scientist hypothesize that vitamin C affects the
brain's response to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Another explanation is
Vitamin C's antioxidant properties. Researchers believe that children with
autism may have difficulty managing free radicals and these damage the brain,
immune system, and body in general.
Vitamin C can be found
in fruits such as citrus, cantaloupe, mango, strawberries, watermelon, and
vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, and winter
squash.
Vitamin D: The primary function of Vitamin D is to
help control the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body. Having to little
can damage the way your body absorbs calcium. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency
include bone pain, muscle weakness, but other symptoms like fatigue, can be
more subtle. A link between Autism and vitamin D has been discovered by
researchers at the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute. They have
demonstrated that serotonin, oxytocin, and vasopressin are all activated by the
vitamin D. Serotonin is linked to shaping, structuring, and wiring of the
brain. These hormones affect social behavior. Vitamin D may is also linked to
anti-inflammatory actions, autoimmune actions, neurotrophins, and antioxidants.
Vitamin D is naturally
found in sunlight, oily fish, and eggs. It can also be found in fortified
foods.
As I mentioned above, if
you suspect a deficiency in your Autistic loved one please consult a doctor
before beginning any treatment plan. Your physician can run blood tests to
confirm any deficiency. Feeding your loved ones a well balanced diet and taking
a daily multivitamin can help to eliminate deficiency issues. I hope this blog
has helped you to understand the importance of vitamins in diet and how a lack
of these vitamins can contribute to other health issues.
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