Factsheet for autism therapy: Vitamin B6 and magnesium

definition of Vitamin B6 and magnesium: Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a nutrient found in fish, meat and bananas. It is an essential vitamin, which means it can only be obtained through the diet. Vitamin B6 is important for the health of every cell in the body. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is needed for the health of every cell in the body. Some parents supplement a child's diet with a combination of vitamin B6 and magnesium as an alternative therapy for autism.
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What is it?

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential vitamin that is necessary for more than 60 biological processes in a healthy human body. The body converts vitamin B6 into pyroxidal-5-phosphate (PLP), a compound that is used to release energy from carbohydrates and starches, and to break down proteins. PLP is also used in the production of important chemicals in the brain (1).

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral that is necessary for the health of every cell in the body, including the proper functioning of brain and muscle cells. While, magnesium deficiency is rare, some research suggests that children with autism may have too little magnesium (2 3).

Some parents supplement a child's diet with a combination of vitamin B6 and magnesium as an alternative therapy for autism.

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