Last updated on April 10th, 2024 at 12:14 pm
Best Supplements and Vitamins for Autism: A Comprehensive Guide
Being a parent of a child on the autism spectrum can be challenging, to say the least. Apart from attending therapies and making lifestyle changes, you also need to focus on providing your child with the right nutrition and supplements to aid their development. While a healthy diet is crucial for everyone, your child may require additional support in the form of supplements and vitamins for autism.
You may have already done your research and learned that there are specific supplements and vitamins that can help to alleviate certain symptoms associated with Autism.
But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which supplements for autism are effective for your child.
It is important that you understand the purpose of supplements before embarking on a journey of supplementation.
In this comprehensive guide, I will explore some of the best supplements and vitamins for Autism to help you make an informed decision for your child.
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post. If you click the link and buy something, I might get a commission at no additional cost to you! This is what keeps this blog running so consider using these links if you decide to try any of my recommendations.
What are Supplements
Supplements are substances that provide additional nourishment to the body, typically in a concentrated form.
They can come from natural sources such as foods or plants, and can also be synthetic or artificial.
Supplements can be taken as a pill, capsule, liquid, powder, or even chewable gummy.
There are many different supplements available for kids, each of which has other effects and benefits.
The most common types of supplements used for symptoms are omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins and minerals, herbs, and amino acids.
Supplements for Autism
First and foremost, I want to stress the importance of not looking at supplements as the fix-it solution for Autism.
It is important to remember that supplements are just one part of the puzzle when it comes to managing Autism symptoms.
They should not be used in substitution for a poor diet and lifestyle.
When it comes to helping your child, using supplements while you are working to help resolve the underlying issues is a great way to get the most out of your efforts.
When used properly in combination with dietary and lifestyle changes, supplements for Autism can be very beneficial.
That being said, there are certain supplements that have been known to be effective in helping those with Autism regulate their moods and behaviors.
Below I want to go into a few of the autism supplements that kids on the spectrum just might find beneficial on their journey to a better life.
Zeolite
Zeolite, a naturally occurring mineral formed from volcanic ash, has gained attention for its potential detoxification properties.
It is known for its unique structure that allows it to trap and remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body.
While research on zeolite specifically in the context of autism is limited, detoxification is an area of interest for children with autism due to potential links between heavy metal exposure and symptom severity.
Zeolite is believed to bind to heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, and facilitate their elimination from the body through urine and stool.
Zeolite supplementation may help reduce oxidative stress, support immune function, and improve overall well-being in individuals with autism.
One of my favorite Zeolite products is from Touchstone Essentials. They have a great Zeolite Detox Pack that is suitable for all ages and easy for kids to take since it is liquid-based.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating nerve function and reducing anxiety in kids on the autism spectrum.
Apart from this, magnesium has been found to improve cognitive function and reduce hyperactivity in children with autism.
Magnesium is said to be one of the most common mineral deficiencies in children on the autism spectrum.
Supplementing magnesium in the form of liquid, powder, or capsules can help address this deficiency and improve overall health.
It is best to pick whatever option is best for your child. Some kids prefer drinking magnesium in the form of a liquid while others prefer magnesium baths.
Here are some of my favorite picks.
- Perfect Magnesium Citrate Powder
- Smidge Morning Magnesium (age 5 & up)
- Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes (for soaking)
- Ancient Minerals Magnesium Transdermal Lotion (for skin)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils, are known to improve cognitive function and reduce hyperactivity in kids on the autism spectrum.
In studies, it has been found that omega-3 supplements help improve social communication skills and reduce repetitive behaviors in children on the autism spectrum.
Moreover, such supplements have been found to have a positive effect on eye contact and communication skills as well.
My favorite Omega-3 comes in the form of Cod liver oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a great source of vitamins A and D for children.
I recommend Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil or Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil as some of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids!
Fulvic Minerals
Fulvic minerals are a type of organic compound derived from the soil. These minerals are known for their bioavailability and ability to enhance nutrient absorption in the body.
While research specifically focused on fulvic minerals and autism is limited, they have been gaining attention as a potential supplement for kids on the autism spectrum due to the results.
Fulvic minerals are believed to support overall health and well-being by promoting cellular function, detoxification, and immune system modulation.
So many people are mineral deficient including kids due to our current diet and lifestyle.
Supplementing with fulvic minerals is a great way to ensure your child gets the necessary minerals for optimal health.
Adding some fulvic mineral supplements into your child’s diet can help them stay healthy and improve their ability to absorb other nutrients from the foods they eat.
Touchstone Essentials has a great Fulvic Minerals+ product that is easy for kids to take if you are looking to increase your child’s minerals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the overall development and growth of children. However, it is especially important for those on the autism spectrum.
Children on the spectrum may require higher doses of vitamin C for their impaired immune systems.
Moreover, vitamin C has been found to play a crucial role in improving cognitive function and communication skills in kids with autism.
When deciding which Vitamin C supplement to use it is important to choose one without added sugars or artificial sweeteners and colors.
MyKind Organic Vitamin C Spray is a great option as it is made from organic, non-GMO ingredients with no added sugar.
Bioray also has Kids NDF Immune drops that have the herb Camu Camu in them which is another great option for vitamin C.
This product is also good for boosting your child’s immune system overall and has additional benefits
Probiotics
Probiotics are known to improve gut health and reduce inflammation in the body, which is crucial for children on the autism spectrum.
Studies have found a link between gut health and autism, and probiotic supplements have been found to improve symptoms such as hyperactivity, irritability, and non-compliance in those on the spectrum.
Probiotics can come in powder, capsule, or chewable form and should be refrigerated to ensure potency.
It is best to get probiotics from a reputable source as the quality of supplements can vary greatly.
Bioray has an excellent line of probiotic products safe for all ages. They are made from organic, non-GMO sources and have no added sugar.
Some kids don’t do as well on probiotics so it is important to find the probiotic that works best for your child.
Here are some of my favorites Bioray Probiotics Bioray NDF Tummy or Bioray CytoFlora.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function. However, studies have also shown that children with Autism often have low levels of vitamin D.
Supplementation with vitamin D can help to alleviate symptoms such as hyperactivity and aggression.
It is recommended to have your child’s vitamin D levels tested before supplementing and to choose a supplement that provides the recommended daily dose.
Here’s a great option if you are in need of supplementing with Vitamin D, Perfect D3 Drops.
Zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral that is crucial in various bodily functions, including immune system regulation, cognitive development, and neurotransmitter activity.
Research has indicated that individuals with autism may have lower levels of zinc compared to the general population.
Supplementing with zinc has shown potential benefits in addressing certain symptoms associated with autism.
Studies suggest that zinc supplementation may contribute to improved social behavior, communication skills, and overall cognitive function in individuals on the autism spectrum.
Regular monitoring of zinc levels is also recommended to ensure optimal supplementation.
If you are looking for a naturally occurring form of zinc for your child Bioray NDF Immune is a great option.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex, which includes vitamins B6, B9, and B12, is crucial for proper neurological development in children.
Studies have found that children with autism have a deficiency in vitamin B, which may lead to impaired cognitive and sensory function.
Vitamin B supplements can help improve these functions and enhance energy levels in kids on the autism spectrum.
B vitamins are crucial for energy production and brain function. Studies have shown that children with Autism often have low levels of certain B vitamins such as folate and B12.
Supplementing with B vitamins can lead to improvements in behavior, language, and cognitive function.
It is recommended to choose a high-quality, methylated B complex supplement to ensure optimal absorption.
There are so many options for vitamin B available but finding the best one for your child will take trial and error.
Bioray NDF Immune is another option that provides B vitamins through the use of herbs.
Glutathione
Glutathione is also an important supplement for children on the autism spectrum.
Glutathione helps to protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress and supports proper neurological development.
It is also important for detoxification, immune system function, and cellular energy production.
Glutathione can be found in supplement form or as part of a complete antioxidant blend.
The best way to get enough glutathione is to choose high-quality supplements that are made with all-natural ingredients.
QuickSilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione is a great option if your child is in need of glutathione.
Summary | Supplements for Autism
As a parent of a child with Autism, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of supplements and vitamins.
However, with proper research and guidance, supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals can lead to improvements in symptoms and overall health.
It is also important to remember that supplements and vitamins should be used as a complement to a healthy diet and lifestyle, and should not be used as a replacement.
By providing your child with the right nutrition, you can help them thrive and reach their full potential.
With this guide, I hope to provide a starting point for making informed choices for your child’s health and well-being.
If you are looking for additional support on your autism journey, do yourself a favor and check out The Nutritional Spectrum: Autism Success Vault.
This resource is loaded with valuable information that will help you move towards improving your child on the autism spectrum’s quality of life.
Additional Resource:
- Picky Eating and Autism
- Overview of Autism Detox and its Benefits
- Fulvic Minerals Benefits
- Heavy Metal Detox Products
- Best probiotic for autism
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