Nutrition for Children with Autism by

Introduction

msjaners — 2024-11-08 21:22:37 UTC

I'm Janey, a wife and a mother. I enjoy horseback riding and yoga for my self-care. I work for a surgery center doing their medical billing and coding.

I found the Integrative Healthcare program and was drawn to the education I wanted to control how and what my family needed to stay healthy. Western medicine doctors were failing me and I knew there was something better out there.

History and/or Statistics on topic

msjaners — 2024-11-08 21:22:57 UTC

Dietary therapies and nutrition for autism spectrum disorder started as early as the 1980s and have progressed with more recent studies completed after 2015. Autism Spectrum Disorder wasn't fully understood until the 2000s.

The most researched topics regarding nutrition and dietary therapies for ASD are vitamins, supplements, gluten and casein free diets, and gut microbiome. Many of the recommended vitamins and supplements act as co-enzymes and neurotransmitters for biochemical enzymatic reactions in our bodies.

Unfortunately, none of these methods can be proven. But statistics show there is improvement within most of the groups.

Why I chose this topic and focus area

msjaners — 2024-11-08 21:23:11 UTC

In 2022, my oldest son was diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorder. We knew he needed some help with socializing and communication, but also knew he didn't need medication. I started to explore alternatives in nutrition and exercise.

In 2023, my youngest son was given a provisional diagnosis of autism. Luckily, I was already more experienced and we knew what to do to start assisting him.

With a few lifestyle adjustments to their nutrition, we saw great improvements in their symptoms.

Gluten-free

msjaners — 2024-11-08 21:23:28 UTC

The first test for gluten-free type diet for individuals with autism spectrum disorder was completed in the 1980s and recently researched again. They found that eating gluten can lead to "leaky gut" seen in children with autism. This lead to peptides crossing the blood-brain barrier, effecting neurotransmitter mechanisms. Removing gluten and casein from the diet removed these toxins and helped the children control their emotions and actions. This was also beneficial for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Vitamins

msjaners — 2024-11-08 21:23:36 UTC

In a study conducted in 2022, 161 people were tested with a supplement blend that included several vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. This was a three-month randomized trial of the supplement ANRC-Essentials Plus. 73% of participants rated their overall benefit as moderate, good, or great, scoring substantially higher than the placebo group. 79% stated they suffered from no adverse effects. The adverse effects listed were lessened with lowering the dose of the supplement.

For reference, the blend included vitamins A, C, D, E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B5, B6, B12, folate, and biotin. The minerals included calcium, chromium, iodine, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, selenium, and zinc. Other nutrients included choline, co-enzyme Q10, inositol, carnitine, lithium, methylsulfonylmethane, N-acetyl-cysteine, taurine, vanadium, and boron.

Application of the information

msjaners — 2024-11-08 21:23:57 UTC

I'm still unsure of what I will do with my degree in Integrative Healthcare. But I do know that mine and my family's health has greatly improved in the last year. Since starting this program, we have implemented changes that have changed our lifestyle for the better.

I know I want to help people in a therapeutic way with the knowledge I've gained. Lifestyle medicine has shown me that there are basic changes that can be made to help anyone willing to put in the work.

Figure:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7815266/figure/FIG1/

Conclusion:

msjaners — 2024-11-08 21:24:19 UTC

While there is little scientific evidence proving that nutritional interventions benefit children with autism, research shows that behaviors and lifestyles improve with the use of vitamins, supplements, avoiding certain foods, and other alternative medicine therapies. I know from experience what works for my child. It's also important to note that every person is different and some therapies may work better for others. It is a trial-and-error experience but can be worth it when you find what works.

I hope to use this information to help my kids, but also other children one day.

References

msjaners — 2024-11-08 21:24:27 UTC

Adams, J. B., Audhya, T., McDonough-Means, S., Rubin, R. A., Quig, D., Geis, E., Gehn, E., Loresto, M., Mitchell, J., Atwood, S., Barnhouse, S., & Lee, W. (2011). Effect of a vitamin/mineral supplement on children and adults with autism. BMC Pediatrics, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-11-111

Cruchet, S., Lucero, Y., & Cornejo, V. (2016). Truths, Myths and Needs of Special Diets: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, and Vegetarianism. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 68(1), 43–50. https://doi.org/10.1159/000445393

‌Doreswamy, S., Bashir, A., Guarecuco, J. E., Lahori, S., Baig, A., Narra, L. R., Patel, P., & Heindl, S. E. (2020). Effects of Diet, Nutrition, and Exercise in Children with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Literature Review. Cureus, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.12222

‌Kang, D.-W., Adams, J. B., Gregory, A. C., Borody, T., Chittick, L., Fasano, A., Khoruts, A., Geis, E., Maldonado, J., McDonough-Means, S., Pollard, E. L., Roux, S., Sadowsky, M. J., Lipson, K. S., Sullivan, M. B., Caporaso, J. G., & Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2017). Microbiota Transfer Therapy alters gut ecosystem and improves gastrointestinal and autism symptoms: an open-label study. Microbiome, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-016-0225-7

Extra tips

msjaners — 2024-11-11 16:49:00 UTC

A balanced and nutritious diet place a huge role in symptoms associated with ASD.

Protein for concentration and energy levels
Complex carbohydrates for brain function
Omega-3 fatty acids for brain health
Fiber to regulate blood sugar and improve digestion
Vitamins and minerals for cognitive function

There are things to avoid as they exasperate symptoms.

Processed foods
Sugary drinks
Artificial colors and additives
High-sugar foods