Are there any oral supplements that would help my child?
NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES
Vitamins and other supplements help improve symptoms of self-injurious behaviour, aggression and tantrums, and can be taken in combination as advised by your child's doctor. Always keep a regular follow up with your child's doctor.
Omega-3:
Omega-3 plays an important role in the functioning of the brain. It also reduces inflammation and thus, improves immune balance in autism.
Omega-3 supplementation improves cognition and motor skills, concentration, eye contact, sociability and sleep, along with reducing hyperactivity, repetitive behaviour and aggression
Folic Acid
A small study of folinic acid, which is a naturally occuring form of folate, showed improvements in communication in children with speech and language impairment
Vitamin D
According to researchers, oral vitamin D supplementation may safely improve symptoms of autism.
In a study, autism symptoms including hyperactivity and social withdrawal improved significantly in patients receiving Vitamin D3 supplementation as compared with the placebo group.
Vitamin B12
Individuals with autism may be associated with deficiency of vitamin B12 due to poor dietary intake, poor absorption, or metabolic abnormalities.
Methylcobalamin is the most active form of vitamin B12, which is required for healthy development of brain, immune system and nervous system.
These supplements may help in controlling the behavioural symptoms in autism.
These can be given in the form of injections or tablets.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
The combined intake of vitamin B6 and Magnesium may result in improving social interaction, communication, alertness, and reducing self-mutilation and repetitive behaviour.
Side effects of high doses can cause neuropathy and diarrhoea.
Vitamin C
It is an antioxidant which prevents oxidative damage in brain, reduces metabolic stress and improves immunity.
It may help improve repetitive behaviour in children with autism.
Vitamin E
It is also an antioxidant.
It helps in neurodevelopment of the brain and immunity.
It has shown to improve speech and behaviour in autism.
Zinc
Zinc deficiency is commonly observed in autism.
It is one of the important components for neuronal functioning.
Zinc supplements improve cognition and reduce hyperactivity.
Iron supplements
Iron deficiency has been observed in some children with autism.
This may be associated with psychomotor retardation, poor sleep, neurological and behaviour problems.
It has shown to improve sleep significantly without any side effects.
Dimethylglycine and Trimethylglycine (DMG / TMG)
DMG and TMG supplements may improve eye contact and social interaction, improve speech communication and increase tolerance and decrease aggressive behaviour, by increasing oxygen uptake in the blood and increases circulation.
L – Carnosine
L-carnosine is a naturally found in high concentrations in muscle, heart and brain tissues.
It has been shown to possess potential for improving language and behaviour in children with autism.
Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms which improve digestion and immune system.
They help to reduce self-stimulatory behaviour, aggression, stereotypical behaviour, hyperactivity and improve socialization.
Coenzyme Q10
It is a mitochondrial enzyme required for optimum cellular functioning.
It helps to reduce irritability; and improve communication and socialization.
Other Questions
How can medicines help my child with Autism?
Which medicines would help my child with Autism?
When would it be ideal for me to begin medically managing my child?
Is there anything more I can do for my child at home, in terms of medications?
