A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines found that children with ASD who supplemented with Vitamin D3 showed improvement in signs and symptoms related to ASD.
Vitamin D3 is converted into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the liver. Higher serum concentrations of this steroid may reduce the risk of autism. Importantly, children with ASD are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, possibly due to environmental factors.
There is increasing evidence that vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and early childhood can lead to the occurrence of ASD. Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D intervention can significantly improve the symptoms of ASD, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.
Theoretically, vitamin D can affect neurodevelopment in children with ASD through its anti-inflammatory properties, stimulating the production of neurotrophins, decreasing the risk of seizures, and regulating glutathione and serotonin levels.
Given those facts, practitioners might consider treating autism with 300 IU/kg/day, and seek to prevent autism by supplementing pregnant and lactating women (5000 IU/day) and infants and young children (150 IU/kg/day) checking 25(OH)D levels every 3 months.
The researchers found that vitamin D was present in brain tissue and that people with higher concentrations of vitamin D in the brain also reported higher cognitive function prior to death.
One study found that when younger children are deficient in vitamin D, they tend to be more aggressive and defiant as adolescents (8). Hyperactive behaviour and anxiety levels can also be affected by a lack of vitamin D (9).
Vitamin D has been suggested as a therapy to improve symptoms of ASD including speech [18].
Studies have shown that children suffering from ADHD have a reduced serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as compared with that in healthy children (9–11). VD supplementation is an adjunct therapy used to overcome symptoms of ADHD and has comparatively few side effects (12).
The signs and symptoms of pediatric B 12 deficiency frequently mimic those of autism spectrum disorders.
Finally, supplementing vitamins B and C can also help alleviate ADD and ADHD symptoms. Vitamin C, like zinc, iron, and magnesium, is used to produce neurotransmitters like dopamine. Additionally, vitamin B deficiency is linked to irritability and fatigue in children.
Research has shown that Methyl B12, also known as methylcobalamin, can help relieve symptoms of autism. In the body, B12 assists with detoxification because it is a critical factor of the methylation pathway that helps the body make the powerful antioxidant, glutathione.
Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D3. The best sources are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. Smaller amounts are found in egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver.
Some evidence indicates that magnesium could also be involved in neurological diseases such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. However, no direct study has been published to confirm this assumption.
Are there any dietary changes that can help reduce inflammation in children with ASD? Research has shown that a diet low in processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation levels.
However, taking too much vitamin D in the form of supplements can be harmful. Children age 9 years and older, adults, and pregnant and breastfeeding women who take more than 4,000 IU a day of vitamin D might experience: Nausea and vomiting. Poor appetite and weight loss.
There are quite a few differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3, but the main difference between them is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the body, whereas the vitamin D3 is the natural form of vitamin D produced by the body from sunlight.
Vitamin B12
This means that B12 helps improve neural function, which is a major plus for brain injury recovery. Vitamin B12 also helps your brain cells produce energy, which is crucial for the healing process. You can get vitamin B12 in your diet by including animal products like meat and dairy.
Risperidone can help to reduce aggressive behaviour in autistic children. It belongs to a group of medicines called atypical antipsychotics.
For many children with neurodevelopmental issues, they are seeing, hearing, feeling, and generally experiencing the world in a more intense way. Their stress-response system could be going all day long. Without enough magnesium, cortisol levels will increase making it hard for them to go to sleep and stay asleep.
Repeat key words to help your child focus. For example, say 'Ball', 'Roll the ball', 'Catch the ball', 'Kick the ball'. Break instructions down into smaller steps, and give the instructions one step at a time. Wait for your child to complete each step before moving on to the next step.