Supplements for autism and ADHD

Antioxidants

Vitamin C reduces harmful oxidants in the body and helps even out levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter commonly out of balance in children with autism and ADHD. Vitamin E boosts immunity and prevents oxidation of EFAs, which benefit neurological function.

Daily recommended dose: vitamin C, 250-2,000 mg; vitamin E, 100-400 IU

Calcium

Malabsorption and special dairy-free diets can cause calcium deficiency.

Daily recommended dose: 400-1,000 mg

Essential fatty acids (EFAs)

The omega-3 fats docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) boost brain development and function, and are often low in children with autism and ADHD. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an important omega-6 fat found in evening primrose and borage oils, may also benefit kids with these disorders.

Daily recommended dose: 1,000 mg DHA; 1,000 mg EPA; 80-240 mg GLA

Magnesium

Crucial to protecting the body from heavy-metal overload, magnesium is often low in children with behavioral, cognitive, and mood disorders. Deficiency can cause depression, poor appetite, and muscle spasms.

Daily recommended dose: 100-500 mg

Probiotics

Intake of healthy bacteria increases immunity and helps heal bowel disorders and other gastrointestinal problems associated with autism and ADHD.

Daily recommended dose: 10-30 billion organisms, in capsule or powder form

Zinc

Vital for proper cognitive function, zinc is typically deficient in autistic children. Supplementation boosts immunity and improves taste perception.

Daily recommended dose: 20-60 mg

Source: Kenneth Bock, MD, author of Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Ballantine, 2007).

Other diet recommendations for autism and ADHD

Avoid additives, preservatives, and artificial colors

Nitrites and nitrates (preservatives found in bacon, hot dogs, and lunch meats), sorbic acid (found in cheese, frosting, and dried fruits), dyes (especially yellow dye #5), MSG (found most commonly in some Chinese restaurant food, chicken broth or flavoring, and bouillon), and aspartame (an artificial sweetener) can exacerbate symptoms for some children with ADHD and autism. A 2007 Lancet study found that artificial colors and preservatives increase hyperactivity in young children.

Eliminate trans fats

Beyond their negative cardiovascular and neurological health effects, the hydrogenated fats found in processed and fried foods intensify toxic accumulation and cell function problems for children with autism and ADHD.

Go organic

Limit a child's toxic load — which is especially important for kids, such as those with autism or ADHD, who have a decreased ability to handle toxins — by choosing foods free of pesticides and other chemical residues.

Sources: Kenneth Bock, MD, author of Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Ballantine, 2007), and Dana Laake, RDH, MS, LDN, co-author of The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook (Fair Winds, 2006).

Parent resources

Autismkey.com is a parent-support website created by Gary Greaves that includes a national database so parents can locate others in their area living with autism.

Autism.com, the website of the Autism Research Institute, offers detailed summaries of the major biomedical treatments currently used to help autistic children, including the gluten- and casein-free diet and vitamin/mineral supplementation.

The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook (Fair Winds, 2006) by Pamela J. Compart and Dana Laake includes hundreds of recipes and tips for eliminating gluten, casein, and other common allergens.

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Ballantine, 2007) by Kenneth Bock helps parents learn more about important nutritional changes and supplements for children with ADHD and autism, and the benefits of heavy-metal detoxification.