Sunday, 13 December 2009

• Autism Therapy: Vitamin D and Autism

  I’ve notice lately that Vitamin D seems to be the “latest” thing people are buzzing about in the autism community.  Vitamin D as an autism therapy.  Seems reasonable.  Children with autism present with muscular weakness, which is a symptom of Vitamin D deficiency.  Children with autism also have intestinal absorption issues, which makes it difficult for them to properly digest their food.  Making it nearly impossible to get the proper nutrients and vitamins from their food.  Vitamin D  as autism therapy?  Plausible.  Let’s explore what the experts are saying.

  As I read Dr.  Kurt Woeller’s blog from earlier this year, he made these points:

  “Some indications are that many children on the autism-spectrum have very low levels (Vitamin D) , and that this deficiency can adversely affect brain development with respects to higher cognitive function such as complex thought, awareness, language development and more. The majority of children that I have tested show low levels of vitamin D (sometimes very low)- as evidenced by a 25(OH)D test – indicating that autistic children definitely appear to show a lack of this nutrient. However, this is not unique to autism as many individuals test low indicating that vitamin D deficiency in general may be a bigger issue than once realized. In traditional medicine the role of vitamin D has been mostly used to assist in calcium metabolism for bone health support. However, vitamin D has other function such as immune function support and protection against cancer.”  
  

  http://drkurtwoeller.blogspot.com/2009/03/autism-and-controversy-over-vitamin-d.html

  There’s another theory that natural Vitamin D (derived by sunlight) would make a great form of autism therapy.  Because the rates of autism have increased so dramatically in two areas of the world that have been “sunshine deprived”, the theory is that autism is related to the lack of sunlight (naturally derived Vitamin D).

  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=vitamin-d-and-autism

  Now, here’s where it gets tricky.  What is the proper dosage for your child?  I’m not a doctor.  Nor do I play one on TV.  So, PLEASE consult one before you decide to try Vitamin D for autism therapy.  I did find this on Wiki that gives a general guideline.  However, it is for TYPICAL ADULTS!  Proceed with caution!

  “Vitamin D is naturally produced by the human body when exposed to direct sunlight. Season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog, and sunscreen affect UV ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis in the skin, and it is important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in their diet. Extra vitamin D is also recommended for older adults and people with dark skin. Individuals having a high risk of deficiency should consume 25 μg (1000 IU) of vitamin D daily to maintain adequate blood concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.^[1]“

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D

  Since this is the first week of fall, natural sources of Vitamin D (sunlight) are not as plentiful.  So, if you are inclined toward the holistic approach in autism, you might consult with your doc and ask him or her about adding Vitamin D into your autism therapy.

  As always, if you have any comments or suggestions, I am all ears and eyes!  I love hearing from you!    If there’s a topic you’d like me to research for you, let me know.  Be glad to do it.

  Blessings,

  Deb

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