i have been reading about cod liver oil used for children with autism. can anybody give me any information on this?? i am on a waiting list to see a specialist here in va and it is a 6 month waiting period. my ds is not any any meds as of yet but since school has been out he is getting to be so bad and will not listen or sit still. he his hitting more and throwing everything. i am my wits end.
any info from the wonderful people on this board is greatly appreciated.
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Biome dicalDietaryTreatments
If you are considering the addition of vitamins or minerals to your child's diet,a laboratory and clinical assessment of nutritional status is highly recommended. The most accurate method for measuring vitamin and mineral levels is through a blood test. It is also important to work with someone knowledgeable in nutritional therapy. While large doses of some vitamins and minerals may not be harmful, others can be toxic. Once supplements are chosen, they should be phased in slowly - over several weeks - and then the effects observed for one to two months.
http://www.neurologychannel.com/autism/treatment.shtml
Researchers have found elevated levels of proteins found in wheat, oats and rye (gluten) and casein (protein in dairy products) byproducts in patients with autism, suggesting that the incomplete breakdown or excessive absorption of these substances may affect brain function. Eliminating foods that contain gluten and casein from the diet may cause side effects and should not be done without the advice of a health care practitioner.
Studies have shown that vitamin B, magnesium (improves the effects of vitamin B), and cod liver oil supplements (which contain vitamins A and D) may improve behavior, eye contact, attention span, and learning in autistic patients. Vitamin C has been shown to improve depression and lessen the severity of symptoms in patients with autism.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/29544-6.asp
Vitamins, minerals, and dietary interventions
Although many studies have been done to assess whether abnormal amounts of vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients can be found in people with autism, results have not clearly pointed to any abnormalities that are consistently linked with the disorder. Although few, if any, of these claims are backed up by scientific studies, parents and physicians alike have reported improvement in symptoms in people given certain supplements, including vitamin B, magnesium, cod liver oil, and vitamin C.
Some people with autism have food sensitivities and food allergies and dietary management is important to in these cases to maintain nutrition and health. Another focus of dietary therapy is on problems with intestinal digestion and absorption of nutrients in foods suspected to be present in some individuals with autism. Some parents and professionals have reported improvements in symptoms of autism when diets eliminating suspect proteins, such as gluten (found in wheat flour), are consistently followed. However, there are no studies to confirm their effectiveness.
Do not start giving your child supplements or dramatically change his or her diet without discussing it with the treatment team. It is important to maintain adequate nutrition to ensure optimal growth and development. Furthermore, although vitamins, minerals, and many other substances available as supplements are necessary for body functions, some of them can be dangerous if taken in excess.
thanks tabitha-his behavior is just about to make me cry- and we are leaving for the beach on monday, should be an interesting week at the beach. im going to need a vacation for my vacation.
i also took out yogurt from his foods. he loves it but someone suggested doing that since he has bowel problems. (always are loose) well that problem has gotten a little better but his behavoir has gotten worse. i wonder if that has something to do with it.
he had milk sensitivity when he as born.
Is he lactose intolerant? I know Gabe was, still is to a degree. I am not a doctor, don't want to be one
Tammy
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