The Physical Aspects of Asperger's Syndrome

5.   Supplements:  Non-Prescription Help, Including Herbs, Vitamins, Amino Acids, Oils, and Minerals

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in Autism

Medical studies on the biochemistry of Autistic individuals are revealing that those with Autism Spectrum disorders share similar vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses.  This could be due to either malabsorbtion, improper metal processing, inefficient toxin removal, or it could be due to all of those things in combination.  Regardless of the cause, the solution appears to be clear: get on a diet the removes indigestible and offending foods, and supplement with those vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that the person is deficient in. 

On pages 35-36 of the book Children with Starving Brains, the author lists the following, and I quote:   "Abnormalities shown in studies on these children [meaning people with Asperger’s] compared with neurotypical children reveal high incidences of:

• Higher serum copper
• Zinc deficiency
• Magnesium deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• Higher copper/zinc ratios
• B12 deficiency
• Below normal glutamine
• Lower plasma sulphate
• Lower Vitamin B6
• Lower amino acids tyrosine, carnosine, lysine, hydroxylysine
• Lower methionine levels
• Higher glutamate
• Fatty acid deficiencies
• Calcium deficiency
• Inadequate levels of Vitamin D, E, and A"

The list here quoted shows clear patterns.  Those on the autistic spectrum are routinely found to have levels matching this list.  For this reason, many autistic children who are treated for the physical aspects of autism are commonly placed not only on the GFCF diet, but also on supplements such as: extra Vitamin B6, B12, Zinc, and Magnesium, to name the major players. 

Enzymes and Probiotics

In addition to supplements, which add to what vitamins, minerals, etc., are missing, we also need to be especially sure to add the missing digestive enzymes and probiotics.  Even though I’m barely mentioning enzymes, please know they can make or break a digestive system!  Even on a perfect GFCF diet, free of any possible offending food, the autistic person new to such a diet has an inflamed digestive tract with limited enzyme production and absorption ability.  The person who has been on the diet for over a year may begin to eat offending foods on rare occasion.  For those with digestive trouble as a result of an autistic body, additional digestive enzymes are absolutely necessary for health and digestion!  Probably due to my age, meaning that I’ve been eating the wrong diet for decades now, I can’t even consider eating a meal without taking enzymes to go along with it.  My body requires a strict GFCF diet, plus additional probiotics, plus good quality enzymes.  Only then does my digestive system work.  I will forever need enzymes, and likewise, I am forever grateful for them.  Without them, no amount of eating right would be enough to allow my body to function properly.

List of Possible Supplements

Because I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or your parent, I will not attempt to prescribe any specific treatment for you or your child.  I will also not attempt to do so because every person is different.  Only the individual, or the parent, or the doctor can know exactly what each individual needs to thrive.  In addition, I will not mention dosage levels nor how often or for how long to take any particular item.  This is because, again, the needs of each patient vary widely and I could not possibly determine such needs and requirements for each individual who reads this report.  Instead, I invite the reader to research each supplement and determine for themselves which supplements should be used, if any, as well as how each supplement can be best dosed in order to best protect and aid in the healing of the Aspie in their life. 

I will, however, tell you things that have helped me, and which also commonly help others with autism spectrum disorders, so that you will know what supplements to look into further.  It is my hope that as you learn more about the supplements I will list below, you will become comfortable in the knowledge that there are many non-drug options available for the treatment of Asperger’s Syndrome. 

• Vitamins to be sure to get enough of, individually or in a multi-vitamin
  • B-complex vitamins, with lots of B6 (for deficiency, also, the other B vitamins are necessary for absorption of B6)
  • B12 (methylated version is best, use sublingual form or injections from a doctor for best absorption)
    • Side note:  Website on how to use your nails to determine B-12 malabsorbtion and deficiency:  http://www.health-boundaries-bite.com/Fingernails.html
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
• Minerals   (note: Central Market has a great liquid Cal-Mag-Zinc supplement)
  • Zinc  (for deficiency)
  • Magnesium  (for deficiency)
  • Calcium  (for deficiency)
  • Iron (be careful not to give a child too much iron)
  • Selenium
  • Combined Trace Minerals  (optional, such as manganese, chromium, molybdenum, boron, and vanadium)
• Amino Acids and CoEnzymes
  • Amino Acids as needed  (for deficiency)
  • Glutamine
  • Taurine (for jitters, tics, stimming, and also related sleep problems)
  • GABA  (Gamma Amniobutyric acid – inhibitory neurotransmitter, helps when the brain is going to fast and the nervous system can’t calm down, helps with insomnia)
  • CoQ10  (allows cod liver oil and most of the vitamins and minerals listed here to function better, helps cell mitochondria and energy production )
• Oils
  • Omega Oil  (many options available, my favorites is Udo’s Oil, helps all body functions perform better, helps eye contact)
  • Cod Liver Oil  (good source of a special form of vitamin A, helps retinas and eye contact)
• Digestive Enzymes (try to get a broad spectrum type, which can digest the most types of foods and proteins, Kirkman is my favorite brand, worked a lot better on me than locally purchased brands. à Kirkman’s EnZym-Complete / DPP-IV  II, Isogest Formula)
• Probiotics  (the opposite of ‘antibiotics’.  Probiotics are the ‘good’ and friendly bacteria in the gut, which are necessary for digestion and health of the entire body.  Like enzymes, Autistics are almost low on probiotics as well.  The good kinds need to be refrigerated. à Kirkman’s Pro-Bio Gold Capsules)
• DMG or TMG with folinic acid for methylation
• Supplemental Fiber (if diet does not provide enough)

 
For Specific Conditions

• 5-htp  (to raise serotonin levels and lower dopamine levels: to calm down)
• Melatonin (for sleep, chewable and sublingual forms work best, better absorption)
• Glutathione  (for natural heavy metal and toxin detoxification)
• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Yeast Aid or Candida Cleanse  (mix of anti-fungal herbs used to kill off the yeast growth (bad bacteria), necessary to allow intestinal health to return and to heal the holes in the gut.  Some signs of yeast overgrowth are itchiness, rashes, and “white strings” in saliva, seen after spitting into glass of water).
• DMAE  (neurotransmitter, supports brain function)

Herbs and Supplements for Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Frustration, Impulse Control, and Inability to Be Calm

Sometimes anxiety can be high in those with forms of high-functioning autism.  Sadness and even mild depression are also common.  These things area easy to understand given the high number of confusing social situations and sensory attacks that the person must endure on a daily basis.  There are some natural herbs and dietary supplements available over-the-counter which can be of help.  They are collectively referred to as Alternative Remedies, meaning that they are the alternative to prescription medication.

Alternative remedies are much safer to use than medications.  I have never had any negative effects or any side effects personally from taking any of the following items.  They can be quite effective in easing the symptoms of anxiety, brain fog, mild sadness, and mild emotional instability.

Below are some herbs and supplements that have helped me, and which might be of use to you and your families.  They are available in health food stores such as (in no particular order) Whole Foods, Central Market, Sun Harvest, and online. 

Supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, can be found in various forms such as capsules and, sometimes, liquids or chewables.  Capsules can be opened and the powder mixed into foods like applesauce or peanut butter to help in giving them to children.

Herbs are available in capsules, herbal teas, and tinctures.  Tinctures are a condensed liquid extract of the herb and can sometimes be found in glycerine form, which is a sweet, non-alcoholic version recommended for children.  If your herb is only available in the alcoholic tincture, then you can add it to a little hot water and let it sit for a few minutes and cool off.  This hot water will burn the alcohol off so that only the herb is left.  Herbal teas are my favorite way of administering herbs to children, and to myself, because it is easy to administer.  Traditional Medicinals is my favorite brand of medicinal tea, and has the best results.  Yogi tea also has similar teas, but they seem to be weaker and haven’t been as effective on me.  I like to make the tea, let it steep for 15 minutes, then add ice to cool it off.  Then I add stevia (sugar-free and fake-sugar-free, herbal sweetener) and/or honey.  Apple juice could also be added if the flavor needs to be masked to get a child to drink it. 

Note: Some of these herbs are not confirmed to be best used on children, so if you are treating a child, look for my notes below as to whether or not each item listed can be used on children.


St. John’s Wort – This is the herbal version of an anti-depressant.  This is a miracle herb for when you just can’t seem to be in a good mood no matter what you try.  It really helps to ease the tension and lift your mood to a more normal level.  In many medical studies it has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of mild depression.  However, it may not be enough for severe depression. 

Start slowly when taking this herb if you are already on a mood-enhancing prescription.  Do not stop taking prescription medication for depression cold turkey; ask your doctor for advice with your prescription medications.  Go here for an online list of drug interactions with St. John’s Wort: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/stjohns-wort-000276.htm#Possible%20Interactions

This herb has been found to be safe for children, but be sure to adjust the dosage based on the weight of the child.  Also, although I wouldn’t hesitate to try this if you are an adult, I personally recommend that this not be one of the first things tried with a child.  I say this because it is harder to figure out what is wrong with a child, and this herb might make them happy such that it masks other problems.  So, for children, personally I would wait, and be sure to address all other problems first, then move on to St. John’s Wort. 

Kava Kava –  This herb I like because it calms me down without making me sleepy.   Mostly I use it when I’m about to go into a big meeting, and I’m very nervous.  Kava Kava has never been tested on children, so I recommend its use only for adults.

Chamomile –  Chamomile is a wonderful herb for children and for adults.  It is, in fact, highly recommended for both children and babies.  It's mildly restful, meaning if you're sleepy it might put you to sleep, but if you're wide awake, it'll just calm you down.  Chamomile is a nerve tonic, which helps nerves function properly and communicate better with each other.  It has also been known to help with digestion, especially in babies and young children. 

Other herbs for calming down include Valerian and then Lemon Balm, which are stronger at helping a person calm down.  They're a good next step if Chamomile isn’t enough.  You can also buy all these herbs combined together.  Lemon Balm is mostly for rest and sleep.  Valerian has been proven to work as a sedative, or tranquilizer, and for easing anxiety, stress, and tremors.  It can lessen stress during the day and lead to deeper sleep at night. 

Taurine is an amino acid that many autistic people naturally have low levels of.  Low taurine can make it very hard to sit still, even when you’re exhausted.  Taurine supplements help a great deal in minimizing and temporarily eliminating tics, jitters, and many kinds of stimming.  

Taurine has become very important to me since I discovered it lately.  My body couldn't rest; I was always uncomfortable.  Sometimes I wished I could just have a seizure and get it over with, because then I knew the uncomfortable feelings would fulfill their purpose and finally go away.   These feelings grew so severe that they produced insomnia.  Some nights I didn't sleep the whole night.  It was torture; I was so tired.  Taurine has become a very important piece of my plan to get a good night's sleep every night and to be more calm and more able to control my body during the day. 

5-htp is an amino acid that allows the body to convert dopamine into serotonin.  Serotonin, then, is a precursor to melatonin, which is the hormone that gives sleep.  Many of those with autism have naturally high levels of dopamine and not enough serotonin.  5-htp and serotonin are essential in allowing rest and feelings of well being.  Without sufficient 5-htp in the body, dopamine levels stay too high.  This makes a person wide awake, jumpy, and unable to relax and be calm.  It is a very uncomfortable feeling to be trapped with high energy levels and not be able to relax.

5-htp is also credited with controlling appetite, improving mood, calming anxiety, and helping with the symptoms of fibromyalgia and some types of headaches.  Many sources say that 5-htp can help children with ADHD, or who previously used Ritalin or have problems with sleep. 

5-htp has been very useful to me.  When my doctor prescribed melatonin to me to help my insomnia, it wasn’t enough.  Only after he added 5-htp to my instructions did I finally sleep.  5-htp produces in me a wonderful calm feeling that I’ve missed in the past.  It makes me feel as if I am finally in control.  I can choose whether or not I want to be excited or calm.  Before, it felt as if my body wouldn’t give me a choice. 

Some people also like DMAE.  I haven’t tried this one yet.  It is a chemical produced in the brain and is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which can help produce feelings of well-being and relaxation.  Not a lot of research has been done on DMAE as of this time, but it is known that DMAE helps the brain in its functions. 

Rescue Remedy is also a good short term solution.  It is a combination of five - what I would call - water and flower tinctures.  They address shock, fear, and other emergency emotions.  It has worked well for me and my children during times of acute injury and shock. 

Further Information on Dietary Supplements

To learn more: Article from the Autism Treatment Forum (Recommended!):  http://files.meetup.com/210450/Nutritional%20Supplements%20for%20Kids%20with%20Autism.doc

All files on the Austin Autism Treatment Forum Meetup Group Webpage:  http://autism.meetup.com/229/files/

Supplement Brands

Kirkman Labs
Kirkman’s is a company which specializes in supplements for Autism and related disorders.  They tailor their products according to the needs of that subgroup of people.  I use them because their products are specific to my needs.  
Kirkman’s Roadmap, illustrating which symptoms require which treatments http://www.kirkmanlabs.com/roadmap_medium2.html

Houston Nutraceuticals   http://www.houstonni.com/

DigestRight from Learner's Edge

Recommended Herbal Tea Brands  (available in Health Food Stores)
Traditional Medicinals Tea  (first choice, best quality)
Yogi Tea  (my second choice, similar products, but not as effective)


For herbal pills and capsules, I’m not going to recommend any brands in particular because I’ve had good fortune with just about every brand out there.  Find what you like. 
 

You Tube Informational Video
Autism Enzymes Part One
 

Disclaimer:  This site and its content are not intended to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or treatment.  The information provided in this site, and its links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.  The author is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services, or products you obtain as a result of visiting this site.

Return to Physical Aspects of AS Table of Contents