2 Ways Supplements Can Help Your Child Who Suffers From Autism

If you have a child with autism, then you likely take all the steps you can to keep them in good physical and mental health. However, you and your child likely still face challenges, like behavioral issues, emotional instability, and/or communication problems.

Of course, proper nutrition is important for everyone, but it is especially important for children suffering from autism. Read on to learn two ways supplements can help your autistic child.

1. Vitamins Can Help Prevent Nutritional Deficiencies Caused By Food Aversions

Many children who suffer from autism have food aversions, only want to eat the same foods every day, and/or display behavioral problems at mealtime that make it difficult for parents to get them to eat healthy, balanced meals. In addition, according to studies, over 50 percent of children who suffer from autism have food allergies, suffer from maldigestion, and/or experience other gastrointestinal problems. Of course, there is only so much you can do to encourage your child to eat the foods you know make up a well-rounded diet.

To play it safe, provide your child with a multivitamin that contains all vitamins and minerals your child needs to thrive. In addition, if your child will not eat an entire food group, then be sure to provide them with the essential nutrients they are missing in their diet. For example, if your child is lactose intolerant or refuses to eat dairy products, then providing them with a calcium supplement daily is important for their health.

2. Some Supplements Can Improve Symptoms of Autism

Along with ensuring your child consumes the full RDA of all vitamins and minerals children need to thrive, providing them with specific nutrients may help improve their specific symptoms.

Two nutrients proven very beneficial for children suffering from autism include:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Some medical professionals believe that many children with autism suffer from essential fatty acid deficiencies, because their bodies may break down fatty acids more quickly. In addition, some studies have shown that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can decrease hyperactivity in children suffering from autism. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown in many studies to be very beneficial for brain health and to help ease many types of psychological symptoms in people with and without autism.

Two great sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil and flaxseed oil.

Melatonin

If your child suffers from insomnia, then they are not alone. Studies show that as many as 50 to 80 percent of all children with autism experience sleep problems. Many medical professionals believe this may be due to children on the autism spectrum producing less melatonin than those who do not suffer from autism. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the human body during darkness that aids in sleep.

A great way to help your child fall asleep naturally is to provide them a melatonin supplement at bedtime. This can help them fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. Of course, speak to your child's pediatrician first to ensure melatonin is right for your child.

If your child suffers from autism, then it is important to know that there are vitamins and supplements for autism that can help prevent nutritional deficiencies your child may need and supplements that can help improve their quality of life.


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