Zinc | Autism PDD

Hi guys,

This post is about zinc supplements.

My son has had severe tantrum issues and speech delay. We went to our "autism specialist" (she is the best in the area) and she had my son get his blood drawn. From this we found out that he has an elevated copper to zinc ratio. She suggested that we have him take a zinc/vitamic c compounded supplement.

I was skeptical at first, but his therapists nagged me so I found someone who can compound the medicine and we started to half heartedly give it to him (probably average once a day out of two they suggested). Over time, we began to notice that his behavior was improving. On the days we didn't give it to him at all, we noticed the next day his behavior was crummy. So, still not quite believing but hopeful, I started to give it to him twice every day as prescribed.

His behavior is still not "normal", but is so much better that I still can't believe it. He is close to normal now and I am very very hopeful. We can shop again and do some things as a family again.

Has anyone else had success with zinc? I just still can't believe it would be this simple. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop if you know what I mean?

Please let me know if anyone has had experiences with zinc.

Thanks guys!

Soni

When we first had our testing done, the DAN! doc explained exactly what you are saying with respect to the copper/zinc ratio. Up the zinc and the copper will naturally lower itself. In addition to the zinc, calcium, magnesium and selenium, we are also on a multi-vitamin, cod liver oil (with vitamin A and D), glutathione, folic and folinic acid, milk thistle, n-acetyl cystine, enzymes with dpp-iv, probiotics and some others I can't remember at the moment.Yes. However, we aren't only using zinc, but other supplements. The blood test did show he was deficient in zinc, along with calcium, magnesium and selenium. My daugther is also taking sinc. Both are on the spectrum.Here are some articles you might want to read

http://www.nutritionreviewservice.com.au/NRS/pdf/Zinc.PDF

http://www.nutritionreviewservice.com.au/NRS/pdf/Copper.PDF

http://www.nutritionreviewservice.com.au/NRS/pdf/selenium.PD F

http://www.nutritionreviewservice.com.au/NRS/pdf/moly.PDF

and plenty of info here

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals.html

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins.html

Plenty of information about vitamins and minerals
and the role they play in our bodies

regards
forker
I have heard that children low on zinc are also very picky eaters
because everything tastes bad. Has anyone seen improvements
in eating or tolerating textures with zinc supplements?

Also, has anyone heard of any side effects of giving zinc
supplements?

Bens eating has improved a little since taking the zinc, but he is still pretty selective. The "everything tastes bad" theory is interesting. Do you know where you read that?

The doctors assure me that it is totally safe but who really knows the truth?! Sometimes I feel like everything we eat to try to be healthy is really not. My husband is on the specific carbohydrate diet and it is hard to find pure/organic foods for him. Everything is so processed.

I have heard that things taste metallic when you are deficient in Zinc.
Don't know where I read/heard that, it may have been at my local
parents group meeting about eating issues.

Does excess Zinc have any side effects though? I am always afraid
of excess mineral/vitamin toxicity.
This page has some RDIs
and will give you an idea of how much to give

http://www.acu-cell.com/znk.html

regards
forker
[QUOTE=soni]The "everything tastes bad" theory is interesting. Do you know where you read that?[/QUOTE]

I have heard something similar

I once heard an autistic woman on the radio in an interview say she could not eat using metal utensils - she had to use plastic knife, fork & spoons.

regards
forker

Soni

My grandson age 2 started a multi containing 1oo % of the rda of zinc from Kirkman labs2 weeks ago. he has made a wonderful turn around , he is now singing with elmo tapes, putting his puzzle together, stacking rings . he is making more eye contact and seems less stressed around little children. he even tries to say words . I'm not saying zinc is the beat all cure all but it sure has my vote!!!!!!!!!!!! My advice to you is try it and pray for the best. please let me know how it works for you. nemobuhl@aol.com

I'm in the process of looking for a new doctor and hope to have some blood tests done. I'm very interested in the zinc theory. Have seen some positive articles on it in the months before joining this forum, but can't seem to find them now.

Mysh