Using Supplements,

Herbs, and Vitamins in the

Treatment of Autism

Shari HagenKaplan University HW499: Capstone3/2/2015

Retrieved from : http://www.thecompleteherbalguide.com/diet-health

Brain-Gut Connection • Autism has a biological basis and most individuals

that have Autism have many of the same prevalence of certain health issues (Hovarth & Perman, 2002).

• Many of these include gastrointestinal problems and inflammation in the gut (Hovarth & Perman, 2002).

• In addition, different gut flora when compared to neurotypical individuals (Hovarth & Perman, 2002).

• Malabsorption issues and decreased digestive enzymes (Hovarth & Perman, 2002).

• Its beginning to seem like there is a major connection with what is going on in the gut and the symptoms that Autistic individuals have. Retrieved from http://thecfim.com/gut-brain-grains

Treatment for these gut issues Probiotics- Gut flora of Autistic individuals is off and good gut flora is needed (Bortfield, 2009)

Digestive Enzymes- Due to gut problems digestive enzymes are low so they need to be supplemented (Hovarth & Perman, 2002)

Anti-fungals- Grapefruit seed extract, biotin, pau d’ arco, oil of oregano (supplements or herbs)- very common for yeast/candida overgrowth (Bortfield, 2009).

Natural Antibiotics- Goldenseal, berberine, neem, or garlic- gut can also have high bacteria level

Retrieved from http://www.regardingcaroline.com/tightrope.html

Deficiencies

• Gut issues equal many mineral and vitamin deficiencies because of absorption issues (Hovarth & Perman, 2002).• Zinc deficiency has been linked to attention problems

(Rossignol, 2009).• Omega 3 fatty acids deficiency has shown increased problems

with conduct, tantrums and overall hyperactivity (Rossignol, 2009).

• Most people have a deficiency of magnesium but Autistic individuals even have more of a problem with it (Rossignol, 2009).

• Carnitine deficiency can cause mitochondrial problems which cause problems with energy level, speech, and attention span (Rossignol, 2009).

Retrieved from http://www.hemophiliafed.org/news-stories/2010/11/

essential-nutrients-dietry-fat/

Other Symptoms

• Hard time sleeping- melatonin or magnesium (Rossignol, 2009)

• Reduced detox abilities- toxin build up- folinic acid & methyl b12 (Rossignol, 2009).

• Seizures- Carnosine (Rossignol, 2009)

• Inflammation and high oxidative stress- antioxidants such as vitamin c (Rossignol, 2009)

Retrieved fromhttp://stinkingdreams.blogspot.com/2013/06/science-of-sleeping.html

Things to consider….. • Natural does not equal safe (National

Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2015)

• The source of the supplement, vitamin, and herb matter! (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2015) Cheap supplement usually means cheap ingredients!

• Doctors need to be on board and there are multiple tests/labs that should be done to indicate deficiencies and other problems.

Retrieved from http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/High-dose-vitamin-supplements-may-reduce-lifespan-by-up-to-a-quarter-Animal-data

Precautions *Work with a doctor that is educated about supplements (Rossignol, 2009)

* Remember that most supplements go by adult size so if you are giving to a child it needs to be take into consideration (Rossignol, 2009)

Retrieved from http://blog.oup.com/2013/08/doctor-behavior-unethical-unprofessional/

More Information:Medical journal about gut and brain connection in Autistic individuals: http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karoly_Horvath/publication/11360175_Autism_and_gastrointestinal_symptoms/links

Things you should know before giving children supplements: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/children

A blueprint that shows medical interventions and supplement use in Autistic individuals: http://www.tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/AJ-Blueprints-Medical-Intervention_updated_4.30.12.pdf

Online educational info about the topic: Gut-brain connection and Autism: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/11/141114-autism-gut-brain-probiotic-research-biology-medicine-bacteria/

List of treatments for Autism with rankings from families: http://www.tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Summary_of_Treatments_for_Autism-2013.pdf

Herbal remedies for Autism: http://www.autismone.org/content/herbal-remedies-autism-karta-purkh-singh-khalsa-dn-c-rh

References: Bortfield, H. (2013). What is Yeast Overgrowth? Retrieved from http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/what-is-yeast-overgrowth/

Horvath, K. & Perman, J.A. (2002). Autism and Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Current Gastroenterology Reports, 4(1), 251-258. Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karoly_Horvath/publication/11360175_Autism_and_gastrointestinal_symptoms/links

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2015). 5 Things To Know About Dietary Supplements and Children. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/children

Rossignol, D. (2009). Diagnosis Autism: Now What? Retrieved from http://www.tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Simplified-Biomedical-ASD.pdf