Vitamins and supplements can benefit a variety of health issues and help you to feel your best. For people with autism, however, supplements are particularly important. Believed to treat many of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, choosing the best supplements for autism can help to promote well-being.
Of course, finding the right supplements for autism is an individual process. As everyone has varying levels of vitamins within their body, one individual may need to supplement at a higher dose than another. If you’re unsure about taking vitamins for autism, you may prefer to have your vitamin levels checked via a blood test.
In the meantime, why not take a look at some of these top supplements and find out how they can help you or your child?
Vitamin D
Most people in the U.S. are deficient in vitamin D, so it’s something that is regularly supplemented. The need to wear sunscreen minimizes the amount of vitamin D your body can absorb from the sun, so it’s important to top up your levels with extra supplements.
Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements can improve common manifestations of ASD in children, such as:
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability
- Social withdrawal
- Inappropriate speech
What’s more, maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D can enhance cognitive awareness, social cognition and social awareness. In addition to this, supplementing with vitamin D can also help to relieve muscle pain, joint discomfort and headaches.
As vitamin D is widely available in capsule and liquid form, as well as an oral spray, it is ideal for children or adults who struggle to take standard tablets. Although this is a common issue for people with ASD, many individuals are comfortable with supplementing vitamin D via an oral spray, which makes it one of the best vitamins for autistic children.
Melatonin
If you or your child experiences restlessness, insomnia, hyperactivity or insomnia, it’s important to assess your melatonin levels. Over 50% of children with autism have difficulties sleeping and, in some cases, people with ASD may not produce much melatonin naturally.
To combat this, melatonin can be taken as a supplement. Available as a sublingual, dissolvable tablet, this is another supplement which avoids the need to swallow tablets and capsules.
Associated with reduced anxiety, longer periods of sleep, and higher quality rest, melatonin is one of the most popular autism supplements and is widely used throughout the world.
Magnesium
As children with ASD often have low levels of magnesium, it can be one of the best natural supplements for autism. Needed for adequate cell functioning, some people notice improvements in behavior when magnesium levels are increased.
Despite being one of the most popular nutritional supplements for autism, it is advisable to have your child’s magnesium levels checked prior to supplementing their diet. While studies regarding the impact of magnesium on ASD have shown varying results, anecdotal evidence indicates that it can have a wide range of beneficial effects.
Probiotics
Gastrointestinal issues appear to be more common in children with ASD, and probiotics can help to resolve these symptoms. While studies are relatively limited at this stage, early research does show benefits associated with using probiotics.
Bacteroides fragilis is the most commonly prescribed probiotic for people with autism, although there are various options available. With the potential to create a healthier environment in the gut, probiotics can be an effective way to treat long-term gastrointestinal problems.
How Can Supplements Help ASD?
Our minds and bodies need a range of vitamins and supplements to function optimally. Although we produce some vitamins naturally and get additional doses via our food intake, it’s not uncommon for people to have low levels of essential vitamins. In people with ASD, in particular, low levels of important vitamins seem to be widespread. In some cases, this can cause or contribute to symptoms commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder, such as:
- Sleep problems
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Anxiety
- Reduced levels of communication
By increasing the levels of vitamins via supplements for autism spectrum disorder, many symptoms of autism can be reduced. Due to this, many parents consider these supplements for their children following an ASD diagnosis. With help from Autism Parenting magazine, you can access all the information you need regarding autism-related developments, topics and news.
While some people may naturally have lower levels of some vitamins and minerals, individuals with ASD may experience chronic vitamin deficiencies due to restricted food intake. If your child has a relatively narrow diet, for example, you may wish to use autism supplements to treat and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Beginning a vitamin regime can be daunting for both parents and children, but there is plenty of support available. With regular monitoring from your clinician or pediatrician, you can ensure you’re using the best supplements for yourself and/or your child.
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