Children with autism who are very picky eaters may also have poor eating motor skills like chewing and swallowing.
Some children with autism may not have enough calories and vitamins and minerals if they are very picky about what they eat. Behavioral therapy, based on ABA therapy, may help children eat a broader range of foods. This case study described a 3 year-old boy who was eating only liquid food (PediaSure) given by a bulb syringe. He was not eating enough calories every day to grow. He would get upset when more food or other foods were given to him. He would not swallow food and sometimes gagged. The behavioral therapy plan involved slowly giving him new foods in this order: 1) less than a teaspoon per bite of 16 pureed foods; 2) slowly making the bite size larger; and 3) slowly increasing texture. The authors said that each child may have different problems, and the therapist may help figure out which part of eating the child may need help with.
Autism Therapy: minerals
No Factsheets to Display
- Behavioral Interventions, by Sharp, WG, and Jaquess DL, published in 2009, summarized Nov 26, 2009
- Integrative Medicine Insights, by Cornish, S., and Mehl_Madrona L., published in 2008, summarized Jun 4, 2009
Vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy may help some children with autism.
In one older study, 42% of children with autism had low levels of vitamin B6. These results prompted doctors to try vitamin B6 therapy for patients with autism. Parents of some children with autism reported improvements in behavior with vitamin B6 treatment alone. Some children also showed improvement after combined treatment with vitamin B6 and magnesium. A recent large study (Rimland and Edelson) of 5,780 autistic children and adults reported clinical improvement in 47% of the patients who received combined vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy.
- Trace Elem Electrolytes, by Fido, A., Dashti S., and Al-Saad S., published in 2002, summarized Dec 1, 2006
This article describes a study showing that children with autism may have lower levels of several important minerals than children without autism.
The authors outline research which suggests that several disorders of brain function have been traced to low levels of minerals. Minerals are critical for the function of the brain. They are necessary for everything from the production of neurotransmitters to communication between brain cells. The study focused on 40 children with autism (3-7 years old). Levels of several minerals in the hair of these children were compared with hair from 40 children without autism. The results showed that magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese and chromium were all significantly lower in the children with autism than in the children without autism. However, children with autism were most likely to have low levels of four of these minerals: calcium, copper, zinc, and chromium.
- Journal of Autism Alternative and Complementary Medicine, by Adams, JB, and Holloway BS, published in 2004, summarized Oct 21, 2006
This article shows that sleep and digestion improved significantly when children with autism took a multivitamin supplement containing vitamins B6 and C, among other vitamins and minerals.
Two common alternative therapies for autism are supplementation with vitamins B6 and C. This article tests the scientific basis for these alternative therapies. Interestingly, the authors report that 20 children with autism (3-8 years old) had B6 levels higher than those of controls, but that these same children had vitamin C levels lower than those of controls. They suggest that the high levels of B6 support previous evidence showing that children with autism have a less active version of the enzyme used to break down B6 into its active form, PLP. Therefore, in these children, more vitamin B6 is left unused. In a well-controlled, double-blind study, 11 children took a liquid multivitamin containing vitamins B6, C, and other nutrients (Spectrum Support II and III from BrainChild Nutritionals), gradually increasing the dose to 1mL/5 pounds body weight three times a day with food. Nine other children took placebo. The parents of the children did not know whether their child received the supplement or placebo. After three months, these parents rated the improvement of their children in sleep patterns and digestive symptoms. Parents with children who took the supplement rated their children as significantly better in these areas than the parents of children who were taking placebo.
No News to Display
Please comment on minerals or other autism therapy topics.
Twitter
Facebook
By Email
RSS Feed
Please comment on this autism topic.
Living Gluten Free – Right to Heal
Feb 22, 2010 by karmic healthBy Sandi Star, CCN
After struggling for over 40 years with chronic migraines, IBS, Muscle and joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, asthma and a slew of other ailments and frustrations I decided to take a closer look at the cause rather than obsessing on the symptoms. I was tired of relying on doctors to give me answers and tired of the medications that only gave me side affects and little relief.
I had been committed to health and fitness for over 20 years, losing close to 50 pounds and 5 dress sizes, however I still had all the chronic conditions that played havoc in my life. I realized there was a key element missing and soon found out it was my reaction to gluten and dairy. I didn't know enough about food intolerance or allergies or at least put the two together. I never believed food could have such a serious impact on overall health let alone be the direct cause of my diseases. With what I know today I’m surprised my doctor didn’t put the connection together when he diagnosed me with Sjögren’s Syndrome (autoimmune disease). Sjögren’s is one of the symptoms of Celiac along with a long list as you will see below and nutrition plays a critical role in the healing process. By making the appropriate diet changes – (gluten and dairy free), I’ve managed to eliminate my migraines, IBS………etc., etc., and have the Sjögren’s Syndrome under control. Even better, I have eliminated all medications and use food and natural remedies for nutrition and overall health. Now that you know why I became a clinical nutritionist and why I started Karmic Health lets get into the details of why it’s so important to understand gluten and its relation to diseases.
Why the problem with gluten now? A lot has changed in the way we harvest food compared to 50 years ago. Some of the seed companies began engineering wheat kernels that could be more easily ground and produce fluffier flour to make the soft, delicious white bread for example had to have greater yields; it made more money for the farmer and increased sales.
Gluten is a composite of the proteins gliadin and glutenin. These exist, conjoined with starch, in the endosperms of some grass-related grains, notably wheat, rye, and barley.
Understanding what happens in the body and some of the symptoms will help millions of people who go undiagnosed. Celiac is the most common genetic disease of mankind (yet for every person diagnosed, 140 will go undiagnosed).
A wheat allergy is the body’s abnormal autoimmune response to a certain protein component of wheat; it’s exhibited by a severe sudden onset allergic reaction. Usual symptoms are immediate coughing, asthma, breathing difficulties, and/or projectile vomiting. It can cause life-threatening responses in allergic people. A true Wheat allergy affects less than 1/2 % of population.
Intolerance's are much more common than true food allergies but are harder to diagnose. Food intolerance is an adverse reaction to food that does not involve the body's immune system. Generally food intolerance is an inability to properly digest certain foods. In some cases food passes right through the body before digestion is complete.
Leaky Gut is an increase in permeability of the intestinal mucosa to luminal macromolecules, antigens, and toxins associated with inflammatory degenerative and/ or atrophic mucosa or lining. Put more simply, large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall allowing bacteria, toxins and food to leak into the bloodstream. Leaky Gut Syndrome has also been linked with many conditions, such as: Celiac Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Eczema, Dermatitis, and Ulcerative Colitis.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by an inappropriate immune response to dietary proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley (gluten and
gliadin). This response leads to inflammation of the small intestine and to damage and destruction of the villi that line the intestinal wall. These villi are projections (small folds) that increase the surface area of the intestine and allow nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fluids, and electrolytes to be absorbed into the body. When the villi are destroyed, the body is much less capable of absorbing food and begins to develop symptoms associated with malnutrition and malabsorption. When the body is exposed to the gluten and gliadin proteins, it forms antibodies that recognize and act against not only the grain proteins, but also against constituents of the intestinal villi. As long as the patient continues to be exposed to the proteins, he will continue to produce these autoantibodies. Celiac disease is found throughout the world but is most prevalent in those of European descent. It can affect anyone at any age and is more common in women. It is thought to be an inherited tendency that is triggered by an environmental, emotional, or physical event – although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 5 to 15% of close family members of a celiac disease patient will also have the condition.
Symptoms
There are literally dozens, if not hundreds, of symptoms of gluten intolerance. It all comes down to inflammation in the body! Many people believe the most common symptoms are gastrointestinal in nature - yet the majority of people with gluten intolerance (and celiac disease) have extraintestinal symptoms.
The most common symptoms of celiac disease include:
• Fatigue
• Addison’s disease (hormonal disorder)
• Gastrointestinal distress (gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, reflux)
• Headaches (including migraines)
• Infertility
• Mouth sores
• Weight loss/gain
• Inability to concentrate
• Moodiness/depression
• Amenorrhea/delayed menarche (menstrual cycles)
• Bone/joint/muscle pain
• Dental enamel hypoplasia (dental enamel defect)
• Short stature
• Seizures
• Tingling numbness in the legs
The “cure” is a life long gluten free diet.
Making the Transition
1. Have a reality check. Remember this is a choice! If you want to feel lousy for the rest of your life and get worse as time goes on then continue eating gluten. If you want to start on a journey to heal; go gluten free!
2. Give it time. It takes time to heal. Take the 45 day challenge.
Within this time frame you will notice the brain fog is gone. Your body will start adjusting to a healthy weight. Yes, you will lose the bloating and weight around the middle. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little longer to feel 100%.
3. Look at your current diet and go through your pantry and refrigerator to find the foods and meals you already eat that are gluten-free. You may need to keep a food journal if you haven't already.
Be sure to list condiments, ice creams, produce, snacks, and other foods.
This list will be helpful as you create menus around your new foods and give you encouragement that you're already on the right track!
4. Give yourself permission to eat things that you may have restricted from your diet before your diagnosis. Potato chips or GF cookies may not be appropriate for other people, but they are a treat in a GF diet in small doses of course. You will need to find treats for yourself initially as you adjust to this diet. Count calories after you are comfortable with your new way of eating, manage your portions instead.
Once you are comfortable with the switch start cutting back on refined grains, crackers, breads, etc., to help the gut heal quicker. In all honesty, bread will not be that important. It's all about taking baby steps!
5. Look at your current menus and meals and find ways to eliminate gluten from your diet. Replace bread in sandwiches with GF bread or green leaf lettuce and add your favorite fixings and condiments. Have breakfast burritos with rice tortillas instead of toast and eggs. Look for GF hot and cold cereals (must not have barley malt) and have those handy for a snack or meal. Replace bread and crackers with tortilla or corn chips, brown rice cakes or popcorn. For example, chicken or tuna salad on rice cakes or scooped onto corn chips is delicious. Popcorn is a filling side dish with soup. Be on the lookout for meals on your current menus or the menus of friends and family that are naturally gluten-free (roasted chicken, baked sweet potatoes and steamed veggies, for example) and make them a staple on your new menus. Surf the internet, watch cooking shows and browse magazines for ideas and adapt them as you see fit.
6. Clear out any and all foods that have gluten, wheat, wheat flour, oats, oat flour, rye, semolina, or modified food starch from your pantry. This will allow you to see how close you are to living gluten-free already. If you have family members living with you who are not gluten free, you might consider giving the "offending edibles" to them to be put in another part of the house while you learn to live and think gluten-free. As time goes on you can cook for the entire family without gluten.
7. Plan and prepare your meals ahead of time. Being caught hungry without a plan is not a good idea! Keep a few GF soups on hand in case of extreme hunger. Keep a small cooler in your car with snacks such as nuts, dried fruit and water. It helps to outline and pack any meals you're eating at home and away from home, including snacks. An example could be -
o Breakfast: scrambled eggs and mixed vegetables rolled in a rice tortilla, sliced apples, and coffee.
o Lunch: Lettuce with turkey, avocado slices, tomato, and mustard, 1 oz. chips, and 2 organic dark chocolate pieces.
o Dinner: Grilled fish or chicken with mixed vegetables, wild rice, and fruit.
o Snacks: 1 oz. almonds and popcorn.
o Desert: Coconut Ice Cream or fruit.
Tips
1. Be patient with yourself. You'll have days when being gluten-free is really depressing (maybe even "fall off the wagon"). This is normal.
Relax – it’s a process.
2. Carry snacks with you wherever you go. It's often difficult to find an appropriate snack when the hunger strikes. GF bars are great!
3. Arrange with the hosts of gatherings you may attend to bring your own sides or complete meals. Most people are very supportive of restricted diets.
4. Carry a small cooler in your car with small cold packs to store fruit, snacks and water.
5. Consider avoiding restaurants during your transition phase as you learn how to eat and think gluten-free. Grilled meats (over a flame), baked potatoes and salads without croutons are usually safe bets. But keep a log of places you eat, what you ate and how you felt afterward. Gluten is insidious and can turn up in the oddest places (french fries, for example which can be dusted with flour).
6. Get your hands on cookbooks or start collecting your own recipes in a binder.
7. Carry digestive aids (enzyme and bioflavonoid) with you in case of accidental ingestion. There are ones specifically for gluten such as GlutenFlam by Apex Energetics; available from your healthcare practitioner.
8. Consider taking a multi-vitamin to make up for vitamins and minerals you may lack with your new diet (ask your doctor or nutritionist if necessary).
9. Find a mentor or support system.
10. Breathe
About the author: Sandi Star, CCN
Sandi is the founder of Karmic Health, specializing in nutrition related to disease where a gluten and casein (dairy) free lifestyle is crucial; working with celiac, autism and all auto immune disorders. Sandi graduated from The Natural Healing Institute with a degree in Clinical Nutrition and is continuing her studies in Clinical Herbology. She has hands on understanding of many health issues and has dedicated her life in helping others reach their optimal health.
For more information related to this article please visit www.karmic-health.com or contact Sandi Star at 760.685.3154
© Copyright Karmic Health 2010
Multivitamins that promotes the development of sensory and communication skils
Apr 26, 2009 by AnonymousHello, Just wanted to give some information on a liquid vitamin that I just came across, since I understand how difficult can be for us parents to give either medications or vitamins to our kids, and it tends to be even more difficult for parents with kids with autism, who tend to be very “picky” eaters, wanting to eat the same food all the time. The product’s name is Might-a-Mins Spectrum Isotonix Multivitamin. The main thing that caught my attention is that besides giving the nutritional supplements, it proclaims to help promote a healthy development of sensory and communication skills.This product appears to be “designed to serve children in need of digestive, metabolic or neurological support, like our kids with autism or in the spectrum, whom often have very particular tastes in food and are unlikely to eat a wide variety of items, creating a lack of nutrients.” It indicates that it “provides children in need of neurological, metabolic or digestive support with a carefully selected blend of vitamins and minerals chosen for their exceptional bioavailability.” Another benefit of this multivitamin is that is a powder that when mixed with water forms an isotonic solution. “Isotonic solutions bear the same chemical resemblance to blood and tears allowing for superior delivery and complete absorption in less amount of time”. Apparently, you can not buy this product on the local stores, I found it on www.thewaytolifeshop.com. I’m planning to order some and try it out. The product seems promising. Also, if you decide to go to their website, my recommendation is to hit the “Isotonix” icon in the featured brands box. Oh, they also have a lot of research articles done on autistic kids in regards to the use of vitamins. Again just wanted to share some of the information with those of you that like me, are trying to see how we can keep our kids healthy, when it is so difficult to make them eat a variety of foods, especially those that are nutritional.
Multivitamin that seems to promote the development of sensory and communication skills
Apr 26, 2009 by AnonymousHello,
Just wanted to give some information on a liquid vitamin that I just came across, since I understand how difficult can be for us parents to give either medications or vitamins to our kids, and it tends to be even more difficult for parents with kids with autism, who tend to be very “picky” eaters, wanting to eat the same food all the time. The product’s name is Might-a-Mins Spectrum Isotonix Multivitamin. The main thing that caught my attention is that besides giving the nutritional supplements, it proclaims to help promote a healthy development of sensory and communication skills. This product appears to be “designed to serve children in need of digestive, metabolic or neurological support, like our kids with autism or in the spectrum, whom often have very particular tastes in food and are unlikely to eat a wide variety of items, creating a lack of nutrients.” It indicates that it “provides children in need of neurological, metabolic or digestive support with a carefully selected blend of vitamins and minerals chosen for their exceptional bioavailability.” Another benefit of this multivitamin is that is a powder that when mixed with water forms an isotonic solution. “Isotonic solutions bear the same chemical resemblance to blood and tears allowing for superior delivery and complete absorption in less amount of time”. Apparently, you can not buy this product on the local stores, I found it on www.thewaytolifeshop.com. I’m planning to order some and try it out. The product seems promising. Also, if you decide to go to their website, my recommendation to find it fast is to hit the “Isotonix” icon in the featured brands box. Oh, they also have a lot of research articles done on autistic kids in regards to the use of vitamins. Again just wanted to share some of the information with those of you that like me, are trying to see how we can keep our kids healthy, when it is so difficult to make them eat a variety of foods, especially those that are nutritional.