Autism and Pregnancy

If a couple already has a child with autism, the possibility of having another one is approximately 8 percent. Autism Spectrum Disorders are sometimes treated with nutrient supplementation. If you have a previous child with autism, or a family member with autism, you may consider tailoring your supplement intake to include the supplements given to treat autism to give yourself the extra "edge".

Neither a disease nor a mental illness, autism is a behavioral syndrome that originates early in life, possibly well before birth. Many children with autism are deficient in digestive enzymes, resulting in poor digestion and inadequate absorption of nutrients. Research published by the Defeat Autism Now! Project (DAN!) on the “Nutritional Status of Autistic Children”, and also by Tim Buie, M.D. of the Harvard Pediatric Gastroenterology Department, and others shows that most autistic children have a number of nutritional deficiencies. For example, low vitamin B6, zinc, vitamins A and D, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, low B1, B3, and B5 function, low methionine levels, and low levels of essential fatty acids such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, a component of omega-3 fatty acid) and GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), abnormal mineral levels, and many others.

The B12, biotin, B1, B3, and B5 can often be found together in a complex formulation, and in liquid and sublingual forms.

Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy has also been studied for brain development enhancing properties, so it would be great to make sure you are getting this in your prenatal vitamin.

Magnesium and vitamin B6 have been used the longest for autism, with good effect. The upper safe limit in pregnancy of Magnesium is 350 mg and Vitamin B6 is 100 mg.

Most prescription prenatal vitamins have adequate B6, vitamins A and D, folate, and vitamin B12. Some include DHA and or EPA, so make sure you do not miss this supplement. It is available separately if you are not currently taking it. Some have biotin and zinc, check your supplement to see if you need to take these separately. They are widely available and inexpensive.

Vitamin B12: This vitamin is becoming very popular and is available orally, sublingually, or an IM injection. In addition to helping neurochemistry, it increases glutathione antioxidant status.

Folate: Another enzyme important for neurochemistry function, the methylated folate (5-MTHF) is indicated in autism. The methylating enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase, can be inhibited in autism. Your carrier status of this enzyme deficiency can be assessed by a simple blood test. See my blog on MTHFR.

cut and paste this link or see side panel http://naturalwomenscare.blogspot.com/2010/07/folic-acid-metabolism-problems.html

Zinc: Wonderful for the immune system, zinc also balances copper in the body. The copper level in autistic children is usually high, and can be removed with supplemental zinc.

Antioxidants: Inflammation causes oxidation, which destroys the body, even the neurons. Most children with autism have decreased antioxidant levels. A plethora of antioxidants are available, including Vitamins A, C, E, Selenium, Zinc, CoQ10.

Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant. It helps to regenerate stores of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E. It also protects both mother and fetus from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Many pregnancy complications and birth defects have been linked to oxidative stress, free radical damage and low glutathione levels in the mother and fetus.Glutathione can be obtained from food sources like Watermelon, Avocado, Asparagus, Broccoli, Grapefruit, Strawberry, Orange and Tomato.

Although clinical studies appear to be lacking, some naturopathic practitioners believe that intestinal malfunctioning may contribute to autism symptoms. If this is true, then supplementing with digestive enzymes may help to boost the body's natural digestive process. If you suffer from heartburn, gallstones, or are lactose intolerant... you may find additional benefits to taking digestive enzymes.


I have a Calcium/Magnesium/Vitamin D/Zinc supplement and a Coenzyme Q10/Omega 3 supplement that many of my patients add to their prenatal regimen. They are taking it for reasons not related to Autism, as I usually suggest it for hypertension and preeclampsia prophylaxis. Click on the link to enter my online store or cut and paste the link below if you do not find the supplements elsewhere.

http://shop.NATURALWOMENSCARE.COM/

If you smoke cigarettes or marijuana, stop immediately, talk to your physician if you need help.
Avoid artificial colors, flavorings, and sweeteners.

Check with your physician before starting any supplementation program. This advice is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.