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Multivitamin Treatment
Vitamin treatments are a must for children with autism. This
is likely to become more obvious after metabolic testing is performed. Regardless
of the outcome, we cannot stress enough the importance of a well-formulated multivitamin.
Suffice to say that there are hundreds on the market, but donĦt settle for the
first reasonably priced product at your local pharmacy. Among other reasons,
many contain copper and other elements that could actually complicate your childĦs
metabolism rather than help it. Research has identified a number of specific,
common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in children with autism. Addressing these
common deficiencies can make a world of difference in your childĦs behavior and
overall health. Fortunately, there are a number of specially formulated, broad-ranged
multivitamin products available, some with higher doses of vitamin B6 (discussed
in more detail below).
We recommend the following multivitamin manufacturers and products:
BrainChild Nutritionals: BrainChild offers a superior line of high-quality,
well-formulated multivitamins.
- Spectrum
Support product line (liquid). Consult your physician regarding which to
use.
Kirkman Laboratories:
Kirkman offers a wide range of high-quality, well-formulated multivitamins.
- Super
Nu-Thera product line (liquid or powder). Consult your physician regarding
which to use.
Vitamin B6 (and Magnesium)
Treatment
Hailed by parents and doctors, vitamin B6 has been specifically
identified as one of the most safe and effective vitamin therapies for treating
autism. Keep in mind that the following treatment should not be considered an
alternative to the multivitamin treatment previously described, but as an extension
if high dosages of B6 are not being taken. Over a dozen formal studies have
revealed remarkable improvements in eye contact, behavior, and speech. Benefits
also include fewer tantrums and less self-stimulatory behavior. The benefits
of B6 were first recognized in the 1960's, and have since been enhanced when
taken in combination with magnesium. Take a few moments and read the following
report on vitamin B6 by the Autism Research Institute:
Vitamin
B6 (and Magnesium) in the Treatment of Autism
As you may have read, therapeutic levels have been established
between 300-600mg/day. Although these levels have been proven safe (nontoxic),
it is not recommended to start that high. We recommend (one) of the following
approaches (NOTE: Any approach you take should be taken under the supervision
of your physician!):
1. Start with a high-quality multivitamin and then slowly introduce
additional B6 and magnesium.
2. Start with a high-quality multivitamin and then slowly introduce
additional B6 and magnesium in the form of a chewable wafer developed by Kirkman
Laboratories. See
Vitamin B6/Magnesium Wafer.
3. Use one of the Kirkman Laboratories multivitamin products
that contain higher does of vitamin B6 and proper levels of magnesium. See:
Super
Nu-Thera. Keep in mind that Kirkman's Super Nu-Thera comes in a variety
of forms (and formulas); we do not recommend starting with any of the P5P versions.
P5P is an activated form of vitamin B6 and may not be well tolerated by some.
