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
1000U isn’t much. The governments daily recommendation is laughably low. I personally take 10,000U daily. When I had my D3 level checked the first time it was 37ng/ml. I am shooting for 75-100 in order to be protective from the flu and many cancers. Some are concerened about hypervitamintosis (too much D3) but that starts at a level of 200+. Even my wifes docs office recommended that she get her level up to 100.
A great website to learn about vitamin D3 is http://www.grasssrootshealth.org. Although they are pretty conservative on their level recommendation (40-60ng/ml) there is some very good info there, and you can even get a kit from them to get your level measured.
Get your level checked, then suppliment to get it up to wher it should be (minimum of 50). For every 1000U, it will go up 5-8 points. Mine only went up 4 per 1000U, but it depends on your % of body fat and absorbtion of the suppliemnt. Get you level chekced again in 3 months and adjust. At any rate, you MUST test to intellegently suppliment. Good luck to you!
Great points Dave! What the government recommends as “safe” and what we can take are usually vastly different. I went on the “safe” side because I don’t have letters behind my name, as you do.
Best info you can receive on Vitamin health is, of course, from your doc (or nurse). I like what you said in your second to last sentence “You MUST test to intelligently supplement”. Good advise for all! Thanks so much for your comments!
The most encouraging thing is that there is so much thinking about this illness…and this is an easy way of healing too.
You are right. Vitamin D is so readily available! Who would have thought it could be so helpful? As soon as I did my research, it was added to my grocery list & will become a staple in our household.
Thank you for your comments. Please feel free to check in ANY TIME.
Blessings-
Deb
I’m so proud of you, Deb. I have already learned more from your blogs than I have in over a decade from the medical community. One in 110 children are living with autism. While that statistic is definitely disturbing, it is also a ray of hope. You see, peopl living with autism who are in their 20s and older, did not have the research available when they were younger, or even the interest in their health that is more and more prominent today. My daughter is 23. I have searched but have not found a doctor who is even interested in getting to know her or to help her. Throughout the course of her life we have been told everything from “there’s nothing wrong, you’re being hysterical” to “she will likely die before her 5th birthday”, and everything in between. Sometimes I feel very, very alone. Thanks, Deb. Who’d thought all those years ago, that we’d be brought back together through our kids.
You just brought tears to my eyes Liz… (gulp)
Thank you my friend. You have no idea what your words mean.
Your daughter is so fortunate to have you & your husband. I know you never have given up on her. And she benefited greatly!
We have so much to learn from her. And from each other.
I am so glad that we were brought back together. Know that you are never alone. There’s an entire “family” of us.
Sending you a hug!
you can find more videos for autism awareness day at http://www.bidyuhan.com/index.php?what=bidyuhan&q=autism+awareness+day