Finding the best autism supplements that can help boost low vitamin levels, improve sleep quality, or address gastrointestinal issues is like a quest for parents and caregivers of individuals on the spectrum. But if you’re fairly new to this, the vast array of supplement options out there can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what it is to look for.
Here, we’re sharing with you a quick guide on finding the best supplements for autistic kids and adults.
Why Autism Supplements are Important
It doesn’t matter how old they are. It’s common for people on the spectrum to have several nutritional deficiencies. Contributing factors include sensory issues, restricted eating habits, and even certain gastrointestinal issues.
While it’s highly recommended that kids and adults alike still get their nutrients from natural food, as they’re more easily absorbed. But due to the mentioned reasons, your loved one with ASD might need to take supplements to achieve a normal growth rate and optimal brain development.
Common Supplements for Autistic Kids and Adults
Your child’s dietitian or pediatrician may recommend specific vitamins and supplements once the gaps in their diet are identified through certain tests. Before getting those done, it’s also a good idea to keep a record of what your child eats for a month to give the doctor a clearer picture of how your child eats and what vitamins and minerals are lacking in their diet.
For adults and children with autism, probiotics, melatonin, vitamin D3, Omega 3, vitamin B6 and B12, and magnesium are commonly given.
Probiotics for Autistic Adults and Children with GI Problems
Gut issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas pains are common in individuals with autism. The most typical cause is the imbalance of gut bacteria. Giving the best probiotics for an autistic child or adult can help increase good bacteria in their gut, addressing most, if not all, their gut issues.
Among the best probiotics for autistic children and adults is the Bacteroides fragilis probiotic, which is said to not only help balance gut microbiota but also improve the integrity of the gut barrier. Some studies in animals with ASD-like behaviors even report reversal of behaviors related to autism. Many doctors who are prescribing this and other probiotics for autistic adults and children state that they ease symptoms in their patients.
Melatonin for Sleep Difficulties
Another common recommendation for autism supplements is melatonin, and for good reason. A lot of grown-ups and children on the spectrum have difficulty sleeping. Anxiety, hyperactivity, medical side effects, and other factors contribute to this.
Melatonin is naturally produced in the body by the pineal gland and is well known to help regulate a person’s sleep. It can naturally be found in food like nuts and seeds. But if the brain is not producing it correctly, and the body is not supplemented enough by food rich in melatonin, doctors may suggest taking melatonin as a supplement.
Vitamin D3 for Better Brain Function
Some studies show autistic children and adults who take vitamin D3 supplements display improvement in common symptoms of autism, like communication, eye contact, and repetitive behaviors or mannerisms, among others.
Considering that every cell in the human brain has vitamin D3 receptors that are involved in brain function and the production of neurotrophins that fight toxicity, giving vitamin D3 as one of the supplements for autistic adults and kids simply makes sense.
Omega 3 to Combat Inflammation
Fish oil is the fat that comes from certain types of fatty fish, including herring, mackerel, and tuna. Omega-3 (primarily EPA and DHA) is one of the fish oil components that can benefit those with ASD. It is known to be an excellent anti-inflammatory that can be helpful with brain disorders.
It is also among the most highly recommended supplements for autistic adults and children, as well as individuals with conditions like ADHD and mental health problems like anxiety and depression, because of its positive effect on one’s brain function.
Vitamins B6 and B12 to Improve Behavior
Did you know Vitamin B6 and B12 can also help improve your child’s behavior, sleep, and social interactions? Yes. These are also needed by the adrenal gland, which produces cortisol. Vitamin B6 also plays a major role in producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter in charge of one’s mood.
Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 can both be helpful for anyone, but more so for people on the spectrum. Take note, though, that for optimal absorption of these vitamins, you should opt for methylated ones.
Magnesium for Overall Well-Being
Due to its effects on a person’s overall well-being (and also because it’s among the most common deficiencies), magnesium is among the most commonly recommended autism supplements.
Magnesium deficiency may lead to problems related to attention and mood regulation. Addressing this through supplements can help improve one’s behavior by calming the brain and reducing aggressiveness. Reports also showed magnesium supplements can help with communication skills and social interactions in children with autism.
Start on ASD Supplements the Right Way
When you get the right ASD supplements for your child, you’re helping ensure their nutritional and developmental needs are met. But before getting anyone with autism probiotics, melatonin, vitamins B6 and B12, vitamin D, Omega-3, magnesium, or any other supplement, make sure you speak with either a dietitian or a doctor. Also, take note of how your child responds to the supplements they’re taking, too, especially if they’re taking other medications.
More importantly, know that giving vitamins and supplements won’t be enough. That’s why you should also work with our reliable Woodlawn, Maryland, therapists at Steady Steps ABA so your child with ASD gets the best ABA therapy for their optimal development.
At Steady Steps ABA, our team is fully committed to providing children and families with ABA therapy in Maryland that they can count on. We know each individual has unique needs, so we make it a point that everyone gets a program that’s tailored specifically to meet their needs. Schedule an appointment with our seasoned therapists to learn how they can help!
