Supplements - An Overview

As a default, most Autistic spectrum children NEED the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) of supplements missing from their body, for whatever reason missing because the foods are not being eaten, or not being absorbed naturally via food.

A few hints:

  1. Following a gluten free / casein free diet is an important part of supplementation.
  2. Proper eating – a balanced diet needs to be a part of the process. This is an on-going battle with ALL children. We as parents need to strive for balance with protein, carbs, sugars, veggies/fruit in our kids good health. This is sounds easy as a rule, but work on this everyday and it will become easier over time.
  3. Do your best to eliminate or control these items in your child’s diet:
    • Yeast
    • Refined sugars
    • Dyes/natural flavors
    • Excessive intake of carbohydrates
  4. Testing for what supplements are missing from your child’s body is important. Click here for Medical Testing, Common Issues & Treatment Information.
  5. Working with a qualified doctor (DAN! Doctor www.autism.com/ari or see resources for California doctors)

Some of the most commonly missing and needed supplements for children on the spectrum are:

  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Cod liver oil (make sure it is tested and MERCURY FREE)
  • Essential fatty acid (EFA Powder)
  • Selenium
  • Probiotics (ProBioGold, Culturelle, Biobeads)
  • TMG or DMG or SuperNu Thera (the B6 family)
  • Vitamin C, Vitamin E and or CoQ10 (antioxidants)
  • L-Gluthathione (supplement or topical crème)
  • Taurine or other amino acids
  • Folic or Folinic acids

The “Sometimes” Needed / and “Sometimes Very Helpful” Category are:

  • And sometimes, a digestive enzyme (Enzymaid Complete w/ DPPIV)
  • Colostrum

A reputable company making products that many autism spectrum children use is Kirkman Laboratories. They make a wide variety of supplements that are hypoallergenic, GF CF free, and some with no artificial flavors. For more information please see: www.kirkmanlabs.com because they work primarily with kids that have special needs.

Now, with all good things are rules. Parents need to follow directions given by supplement manufacturers and their doctors.

Other supplement suggestions are as follows:

  1. Do not overload your kids. Give them the RDA for their weight and age per a doctor. Or call Kirkman Labs!
  2. Because most of our kids have a leaky gut, these supplements will not absorb properly. Be strict gluten free / casein free (GFCF) diet and this will be repaired over TIME (1 year or more). Then these supplements will actually work!
  3. Add one supplement at a time three weeks apart. Document, document, document!! (Check for changes in behavior, rashes, difference in sleep patterns, introduction or amplification of self stimulatory behavior, or mood swings.)
    • a. NOTE: There is a great sample of a daily food/behavior, supplement diary on the GFCF Diet Page under DAILY LOG.
  4. Ideas for getting supplements in your child: click here
  5. Buy small samples. Check to see if they work. We have acquired over 10 LARGE JARS of supplements that did not work for Jeff that costs $35-45 dollars EACH. Money that needlessly went down the drain!
  6. Ask what supplements should be taken with food, not with other supplements, by themselves or at night.
    • for example - ProBio Gold is better to be taken ALONE and rightbefore bed to help digestion.)
    • Do not take digestive enzymes with a probiotic! (The enzyme will digest the probiotic without any effect on your childs system!)
  7. Sometimes, supplements – even in the smallest quantities, can over load a child’s system. It is important to follow doctors and supplement manufacturer directions.
  8. Supplement breaks: It is OK to take “supplement vacations”. Take a break 2-3 times a year where you remove all supplements. Add one back in three days apart and document your child’s reactions and behaviors each day!
  9. A negative reaction to a supplement can be behavior that will pass or can be a truly negative reaction. As a parent, know the difference of a reaction if you should:
    • Stop the supplement immediately
    • Or wait and see how your child behaviors with a smaller dose adjustment
      The way to answer this question is this a “liveable” reaction or a reaction that is dangerous and concerning.
  10. KEEP IN MIND you should not just give random supplements to your child. It has to be something that is done with careful thought and tests. You need several tests to verify this:

An interesting story:

At the DAN! (Defeat Autism NOW!) 2001 conference in an open question and answer session a parent asked “My son used to take his supplements so nicely. We started 2 years ago with a regiment that was making a difference for our son. Now when I give him his supplements, he throws up within 10 minutes!”
The answer: “STOP giving the supplements!” The moral of the story here is that supplements do not always need to be given. We constantly need to test and evaluate if the supplement regiment we provide our children is necessary and effective. Consider supplement vacations to see if supplements are truly helping or hurting your children!

It is important to note I hear a similar story at almost each conference I have attended.

Personal Story:

We added supplements this very slowly and there were some Jeff reacted to and we stopped them and tried another. We saw a noticeable difference in Jeff’s behaviors, stools after 11 months of supplementation and strict dietary interventions along with therapy. He is doing better and eating healthier. This is achieved over time and with hard work and RARELY HAPPENS NOT OVER NIGHT. You will see changes in your child but there is no magic pill. Good things come to those who work hard and diligently. 

BOTTOM LINE: Go one step at a time. AND WITH A DOCTORS ADVICE & ASSISTANCE!

Related reading:

Books:

Pdr Supplement A 2005: Physicians' Desk Reference (Physicians' Desk Reference (Pdr) Supplement) by Pdr Physicians Desk Reference for supplement descriptions and doses.

Web links:

Disclaimer: Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and TACA does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily TACA's. Nothing in this document should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.