The Ultimate Guide to Working Supplements for Autism

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can go through difficult chronic situations that affect their communication & interaction capability to a great extent.

Scientists & doctors have introduced several treatments to lessen these impairments. Among them, specific dietary improvements & supplements are showing great results in treating children with autism.

Children with autism have special needs which differ from children without autism. Their diets are limited, and parents must maintain them carefully. Behavioral problems are the main issues for an autistic child. Lack of interaction incapabilities and repetitive behavioral problems makes them depend on unique diets and supplements.

Often, parents become terrified about the diets & supplements needed to help their children with autism. Having a clear idea about what to give them and what not to is crucial in planning a healthy diet.

Read on to learn about the essential supplements your child with autism should receive

1. Methyl B-12 for Behavioral Improvement

The most common problem that parents encounter with kids with autism is the developmental delay. Children with ASD face troubles regarding proper interaction with others, and behavioral problems occur when the brain doesn’t get enough fuel or power for functioning.

Methyl B-12 is one of the most tested and proven vitamins for autism to help with this problem. B-12 vitamins are a group of vitamin B that work to improve the nervous system of the brain.

Proper stimulation of brain cells further ensures the proper functioning of the brain. As a result, the behavioral response improves. This methyl B-12 supplement is given as an injection shot. Before going for this option, always consult with your pediatrician.

2. Vitamin C for Improved Neurotransmission

Usually, children with ASD don’t have any vitamin C deficiencies, so why should this help your child?

Giving vitamin C has many benefits. First, vitamin C contains ascorbic acid, which is necessary for brain & health development.

Secondly, it works as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are responsible for regulating cellular immune function and have significant impacts on neurotransmission.

Besides that, fighting free radicals is essential to maintain the balance of the body. Vitamin C ensures this balance.

3. Vitamin D to Improve Repetitive Behaviors

Considering unique deficiencies and individual requirements, vitamin D nullifies some of the core symptoms of ASD.

Moreover, it strengthens the brain cells and improves connection with other body parts and has no adverse effect on neurotransmission.

4. Melatonin For Maintaining Sleep Cycle

Parents always seem to struggle to habituate their autistic children with sleeping routines. This struggle can be terrifying if not handled early.

Sleep is essential for everyone. For kids with autism, ensuring a proper sleep cycle is vital.

Our body produces many hormones like melatonin. Studies show that melatonin levels are lower in autistic kids, which is why an additional supplement of melatonin ensures a proper sleep cycle.

Disrupting the sleep cycle may result in insomnia, which can be distressing for autistic children.

5. Magnesium to Strengthen Muscle Cells

Magnesium repeals some adverse effects of vitamin B6. While it improves speech & language impairments in autistic children, vitamin B6 has some side effects too.

Magnesium works to nullify these side effects like hypersensitivity to sound, irritability, and bed-wetting.

Also, in some kids, the level of vitamin B6 is higher than usual. Magnesium reduces that higher level of B6. Additionally, magnesium can improve social functioning.

6. Oxytocin to Help with Social Interaction

Oxytocin is a chemical found in the brain. Giving oxytocin has not yielded any firm results yet. However, certain studies show that kids who have lower oxytocin in their blood face some trouble making social bonds.

An additional oxytocin supplement will increase their capability to interact efficiently with others. Though oxytocin doses have no adverse effects, the results are still inconclusive.

7. Omega-3 to Enhance Cognitive Functioning

Fatty acids contain a large amount of omega-3. Speculations about whether or not to give fish oil to autistic kids have finally come to an end.

Fish oils contain a high percentage of fatty acids. Omega-3 is vital for the cognitive functioning of an autistic child. It further improves the developmental delay & brain fogging.

However, giving an excessive amount of fish oil can have detrimental effects, so only use it with the permission of a certified physician.

8. Probiotics to Solve Gut Issues

Gut issues affect children with ASD severely. Most of these kids suffer from diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and stomach aches because of the gut issues.

Undertaking a lifetime course of probiotics can solve gut issues. Probiotics minimize the overgrowth of yeast and ensure the proper balance of dysbiosis.

To get satisfactory results, you need to continue the dose of probiotics. Gradually, your kid's behavioral responses will start to improve.

Moreover, the GI (Gastrointestinal) symptoms improve through the treatments of probiotics.

9. Digestive Enzyme to Assist Digestive Process

Doctors suggest using digestive enzymes frequently in the ASD Management Programme. Some of the popular digestive enzymes are betaine hydrochloride, papain, hydrochloric acid, and pepsin.

These enzymes help in the digestive process by removing toxic compounds from the GI tract.

Studies show satisfactory results in gastrointestinal symptoms & emotional responses because of the doses of digestive enzymes.

10. Iron to Help Picky Eaters

Children with ASD have high sensitivity towards color, odor, and food. That’s why parents struggle with picky eaters.

Picky eaters often lack iron. Selective foods can not supply enough iron required. That’s why it’s better to give an additional supplement of iron. But this scenario is not the same for every child.

You need to examine the iron levels in your kid, and only your pediatrician can prescribe the iron dose. If the results show a deficiency in the iron levels, go for the prescribed iron dose.

13. Dimethylglycine (DMG) to Increase Immunity

Dimethylglycine (DMG) is not a vitamin, but it is sold as a nutritional supplement. The claim of effectiveness is also significant by parental reports.

DMG works as a neurotransmitter and improves immunity. Grain cereals, beans, and livers contain DMG.

Treating autistic children with DMG improves speech & behavioral conditions.

14. Glutathione to Reduce Toxicity

Glutathione (GSH) contains three amino acids, namely cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.

Together, they work as a dietary supplement & perform the role of an antioxidant. Removing toxic metals from the body is the primary function of glutathione.

Children with ASD have a low percentage of glutathione because their metabolic pathway is often disrupted. However, using glutathione is still conclusive.

Final Thoughts

Be aware of the fact that every child with ASD has different needs. Not all of the supplements above are necessary for your kid. Consult with your pediatrician before adopting any of those supplements. Don’t forget to test it out before adopting anything long-term.