Dietary Interventions

Now more than ever, parents of autistic children are seeking alternative treatment methods for their children. One of these treatment methods include dietary interventions.

Dietary interventions are based upon two ideas:
1. Food allergies cause symptoms of autism (see previous post about GI tract and gluten)
2. An insufficiency of specific vitamins and minerals

In a 2007 research project, vitamin D deficiencies during gestation was linked to higher incidences of autistic children. Vitamin D is believed to have an effect on the regulation/dysregulation of protein development within the brain. The deficiency can either be genetic or iatrogenic in the form of advice from doctors to stay out of the sun.

Reference:
Autism and vitamin D
John Jacob Cannell
Medical Hypotheses - 2008 (Vol. 70, Issue 4, Pages 750-759, DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.08.016)

Iron deficiencies have also been shown to be prevalent in autistic children. Iron is an integral part of many proteins and enzymes that maintain good health. In humans, iron is an essential component of proteins involved in oxygen transport. It is also essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity. A 2004 English study, showed a very high prevalence of iron deficiency in children with autism, which could potentially compromise further their communication and behavioural impairments.

Reference:

Latif A., Heinz P., Cook R.

Iron deficiency in autism and Asperger syndrome

(2002) Autism, 6 (1), pp. 103-114.