National Autism Awareness Month: Supplements to Improve Your Child’s Health

It’s Autism awareness month and we here at Noo-tropics want to raise awareness by sharing different ways that caregivers can support those on the spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that is a neurodevelopment disorder and affects how one perceives and interacts with others. The word spectrum is used because autism comes with a very broad range of symptoms and some may have very mild symptoms while others are more severe. In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, explore supplements to enhance your child’s health and well-being.

Some children start to display symptoms in early infancy but are usually fully visible by the age of two. Language skills can be lost, along with signs of aggression, loss of eye contact, repetitive patterns and behavior, and difficulty communicating or learning. Feeding and eating can also pose a challenge for those with ASD.

My mother is an educational intervener at an elementary school and she has been working with autistic children for over 10 years. I have had the joy of witnessing firsthand how dedicated caregivers can help to improve symptoms of autism, which proves beneficial into adulthood. There is no cure for autism as yet but with patience and clever ways to implement new learning tools and eating habits, severe symptoms can be improved.

Autistic children and adults

Autistic children and adults can be rather picky, especially when it comes on to foods and getting them to incorporate a healthy, balanced diet. The person may only like one type of food and because reasoning is not an option, it is up to the caregiver to ensure optimal health is achieved as it greatly influences behavior and an improvement of symptoms. Studies have already shown the relationship between vitamin deficiencies and ASD symptoms.

Autism vitamin deficiency is not uncommon, and although there are many ways to overcome picky eating, in this article we will focus on different vitamins for autism as a means of nutrient and behavioral support.

Multivitamins

What better way to ensure optimal nutrition than to fill nutritional gaps with a children’s multivitamin. The great part about it is that there are different forms of multivitamins to choose from. Whether it be children’s vitamin gummies or a children’s chewable multivitamin, both offer an array of essential nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin A and antioxidants for balanced health. Gummy vitamins resemble candy, suitable for adults and children, offering agreeable benefits for picky eaters.

Omega 3

In my opinion, Omega 3 is by far one of the most important supplements for those with ASD. ASD relates to brain development; Omega 3 (Fish oils) directly affects cognitive function and neurological health, influencing ASD. Omega 3 is a key vitamin for brain development. It is a healthy fat that is not manufactured in the body and must be obtained from external sources. A child’s brain develops from inside the womb to about age 8, necessitating supplementation during pregnancy, lactation, and thereafter.

Studies indicate Omega 3 supplementation can improve symptoms of hyperactivity, lethargy, and repetitive behavior in both adults and children. The liquid oil comes in many flavors and can be masked in smoothies, apple sauce, and juices. Soft gels are also an option for adults who have no issues with swallowing. For brain development, consider foods rich in Omega 3 like cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, and mackerel), avocado, nuts, and coconut oils. Dosage may vary with those on the spectrum so talk to your doctor about which dosage they feel is best.

Probiotics

The Probiotics are essential for immune health, digestion, bowel regularity, and mood balance. Probiotics, healthy bacteria in your gut, maintain the delicate balance of your internal environment. Excessive sugar intake, constipation, pharmaceutical medication, and a lack of raw whole foods can compromise its integrity. Picky eaters may find a challenge in maintaining this balance so daily supplementation is helpful. Probiotics are available in capsule and powder form. The capsules are small and manageable, while the powder, with no taste, easily blends into breakfast cereals, juices, and sauces.

Try to avoid masking in hot food or beverages as heat can kill the live bacteria. There are no toxicity effects, but various strains of healthy bacteria are available. Consult your doctor for their recommendation.

Incorporating vitamins for picky eaters is a smart and clever way to extract essential nutrients from whole foods. Feeding and eating difficulties top the list for vitamin supplementation in those with ASD. Obtaining the right nutrients can directly influence the improvement of one’s symptoms. Knowing which supplements are helpful for ASD can make all the difference.

If your child only chooses to eat a few things, try to get the healthiest option. For example, organic chicken nuggets that are preservative and chemical-free, juices with natural sweeteners like agave vs sugar (sucrose). Less toxic load in the body leads to better functioning, benefiting everyone, not just those on the spectrum. While there’s no cure for Autism, caregivers can provide physical support and offer the best vitamins for kids.

Also read our blog on Powerful Booze Alternatives That Give You A Buzz (No Hangover)