Wow, just wow. The developmental pediatrician we saw last week suggested the supplement combination of magnesium and vitamin B-6, we started it that night. I give the full RDA as a supplement even though he gets both in his multi-vitamin and of course from diet. The RDA for magnesium for a 3-year-old is 85mg, and the RDA of B-6 is 1.5. The doctor also suggested that I use lemonade and orange juice to acidify his urine to help fight his diaper yeast infection that just won’t go away. So I use Natural Calm magnesium and mix the water with the lemonade powder and add in the liquid B-6 drops. He doesn’t even know he’s taking supplements.
Last night, on day 3, he fell asleep without crying (pretty rare). He proceeded to sleep 12 hours straight. Twelve hours is about what he should be getting at age 3, so this is nice. He’d been sleeping between 8 and 9 hours, and nothing I did seemed to improve this number. He woke up this morning all smiles! His stimming behavior has been significantly reduced. He’s calmer and more focused this morning. I’m sure the proper amount of sleep was a part of the positive changes too. I hope this trend continues!
Further reading! http://autism.healingthresholds.com/therapy/vitamin-b6-and-magnesium
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium Therapy for Children with Autism
Published Nov 6, 2009, last updated Dec 21, 2009
What is it?
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential vitamin that is necessary for more than 60 biological processes in a healthy human body. The body converts vitamin B6 into pyroxidal-5-phosphate (PLP), a compound that is used to release energy from carbohydrates and starches, and to break down proteins. PLP is also used in the production of important chemicals in the brain (1).
Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral that is necessary for the health of every cell in the body, including the proper functioning of brain and muscle cells. While, magnesium deficiency is rare, some research suggests that children with autism may have too little magnesium (2 3).
Some parents supplement a child’s diet with a combination of vitamin B6 and magnesium as an alternative therapy for autism.
What’s it like?
Vitamin B6 and magnesium supplements can be purchased online, or from almost any grocery, drug, or health-food store (see Resources).
Vitamin B6 is found in many foods; avocados, liver, nuts, chicken, fish, wheat germ, and bananas are good sources of the vitamin. Vitamin B6 is often included as one of many vitamins in a multivitamin supplement, but check with your child’s pediatrician before starting a supplement. Vitamin B6 supplements can be taken every day, but may be difficult to give to children, since some children may find that vitamin B6 tastes bitter in tablet or powder form. Liquid B6 supplements are also available and may be better tasting (4). Doses of vitamin B6 in research studies varied from 0.6 mg/kg/day (about 10.8 mg/day for a 40-pound child) (3 ), to 30 mg/kg body weight/day (about 545 mg/day for a 40-pound child) (5, 6).
By comparison, the U.S. recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 is 1.3 to 1.7 mg/day for adults, and 0.5 to 0.6 mg/day for children ages 1 to 8 years old (7).
Magnesium is found in many foods, but is especially plentiful in green vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. A supplement containing magnesium can be taken every day, but check with your child’s pediatrician before starting a supplement. While it is not clear what the proper dose for children with autism should be, research reports used a dose in the range of 6 to15 mg/kg/day (or about 108 to 270 mg total daily for a 40-pound child) (3, 8).
For comparison, the U.S. Daily Reference Intakes for magnesium is 320 to 420 mg/day for adults, and 80-130 mg/day for children ages 1 to 8 years old (7). Some parents supplement magnesium by giving their children Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) baths. While magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, it is hard to say what dose of magnesium a child is getting from an Epsom salt bath.
If you choose vitamin B6 and magnesium as an alternative therapy, ask your child’s pediatrician about the dose appropriate for your child. Vitamin B6 can cause upset stomach when not taken with a meal, so also ask a physician to provide a sample schedule for taking B6 and magnesium (see Is it Harmful?).
What is the theory behind it?
The enzyme that is used to break down vitamin B6 into PLP may not work as well in children with autism (4, 9). PLP is needed for the production of dopamine, a brain chemical that is very important for many behaviors (1). If children with autism are not producing enough PLP from the vitamin B6 they have in their diets, then supplementing with extra B6 may help boost the production of PLP to more normal levels (9).
Children with autism can have significantly lower levels of magnesium in hair and blood than non-autistic children (2, 3, 10). There is evidence that magnesium supplementation can have a calming effect on some children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (11).
Aside from the necessity of magnesium for the overall physical health as well as the proper functioning of the brain, there is no specific theory about how magnesium deficiency could contribute to autism. The two supplements are often given together, as some researchers have reported that the side effects of vitamin B6 treatment are eliminated by magnesium (12). However, studies in which vitamin B6 was used alone did not report any adverse side effects (8, 13).
Does it work?
There is some controversy surrounding the evidence for the effectiveness of vitamin B6 and magnesium in autism (12). Two small but well-controlled studies showed no effects, positive or negative, of combined vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy (14, 15). One larger, but less well-controlled study showed positive and significant behavioral effects of combined vitamin B6 and magnesium, but not vitamin B6 or magnesium alone (14).
Additional studies showed that vitamin B6 and magnesium had significant positive effects on behavior in children with autism (3, 8, 16, 17). There were, however, major problems with the designs of these studies. In particular, the researchers in these studies knew that the children were receiving supplements. Therefore, their ratings of the children’s behavior could be biased. However, one of these studies did include another small, double-blind, portion suggesting that vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy can improve behavior in some children with autism (16).
The difference in outcomes of the various studies could be because vitamin B6 and magnesium results in positive behavioral effects for about half of those who try the therapy (18). Another explanation is that vitamin B6 and magnesium supplementation is not effective. The better-designed studies suggest that this may be the case, although these studies were so small, it is difficult to draw conclusions from them (12, 18).
Is it harmful?
Vitamin B6 can cause nerve problems at high doses (in adults, over 2g/day) (19). However, studies of children with autism taking vitamin B6 and magnesium have reported no significant side effects (4, 14). Furthermore, in children with epilepsy who had been taking high doses of vitamin B6 or PLP (900 mg for a 40-pound child) for six months, no significant side effects were reported (13).
Magnesium can be toxic at doses greater than 600 mg a day. However, studies using magnesium supplements at moderate doses (around 200 mg a day) have not reported significant side effects (8, 11).
Check with your child’s pediatrician before starting treatment.
Cost
A bottle of 100 multivitamin tablets containing B6 can cost anywhere from $10 to $40, and a bottle of 100 tablets of magnesium supplements at 250 mg per tablet can cost anywhere from $5 to $20. Prices depend on the store and the brand of the supplement.
Magnesium and vitamin B6 can come in several forms; ask your child’s pediatrician which forms are best for your child.
Resources
Healing Thresholds has partnered with Webvitamins. They have a large selection of top quality vitamins and supplements.
Vitamin B6 and magnesium can be purchased online or in a drugstore. They can be included in a multivitamin supplement or they can be purchased individually. Supplements can also be found online, sometimes at a discount.
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References
- Holman, P. 1995. “Pyridoxine – Vitamin B-6.” Journal of Australian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine 14(1):5-16.
- Strambi, M., et al. 2006. “Magnesium Profile in Autism.” Biol.Trace Elem Res 109(2):97-104.
- Mousain-Bosc, M., et al. 2006. “Improvement of Neurobehavioral Disorders in Children Supplemented with Magnesium-Vitamin B6. II. Pervasive Development Disorder-Autism.” Magnes Res. 19(1):53-62.
- Adams, J.B., and C. Holloway. 2004. “Pilot Study of a Moderate Dose Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.” J Altern.Complement Med. 10(6):1033-1039.
- Rimland, B., and S.M. Baker. 1996. “Brief Report: Alternative Approaches to the Development of Effective Treatments for Autism.” J Autism Dev Disord. 26(2):237-241.
- Hunsinger, D.M., et al. 2000. “Is There a Basis for Novel Pharmacotherapy of Autism?” Life Sci 67(14):1667-1682.
- U.S.Department of Agriculture. 2009. “Food and Nutrition Information Center: Dietary Guidance.” USDA National Agricultural Library.
- Martineau, J., et al. 1985. “Vitamin B6, Magnesium, and Combined B6-Mg: Therapeutic Effects in Childhood Autism.” Biol.Psychiatry 20(5):467-478.
- Adams, J.B., et al. 2006. “Abnormally High Plasma Levels of Vitamin B6 in Children with Autism not Taking Supplements Compared to Controls not Taking Supplements.” J Altern.Complement Med. 12(1):59-63.
- Fido, A., et al. 2002. “Biological Correlates of Childhood Autism: Trace Elements.” Trace Elem Electrolytes 19:205-208.
- Starobrat-Hermelin, B., and T. Kozielec. 1997. “The Effects of Magnesium Physiological Supplementation on Hyperactivity in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Positive Response to Magnesium Oral Loading Test.” Magnes.Res 10(2):149-156.
- Nye, C., and A. Brice. 2005. “Combined Vitamin B6-Magnesium Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. (4):CD003497.
- Wang, H.S., et al. 2005. “Pyridoxal Phosphate is Better than Pyridoxine for Controlling Idiopathic Intractable Epilepsy.” Arch.Dis.Child 90(5):512-515.
- Findling, R.L., et al. 1997. “High-Dose Pyridoxine and Magnesium Administration in Children with Autistic Disorder: an Absence of Salutary Effects in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” J Autism Dev Disord. 27(4):467-478.
- Tolbert, L., et al. 1993. “Brief Report: Lack of Response in an Autistic Population to a Low Dose Clinical Trial of Pyridoxine Plus Magnesium.” J Autism Dev Disord. 23(1):193-199.
- Lelord, G., et al. 1981. “Effects of Pyridoxine and Magnesium on Autistic Symptoms-Initial Observations.” J Autism Dev Disord. 11(2):219-230.
- Rimland, B., et al. 1978. “The Effect of High Doses of Vitamin B6 on Autistic Children: A Double-Blind Crossover Study.” Am J Psychiatry 135(4):472-475.
- Pfeiffer, S.I., et al. 1995. “Efficacy of Vitamin B6 and Magnesium in the Treatment of Autism: A Methodology Review and Summary of Outcomes.” J Autism Dev Disord. 25(5):481-493.
- Schaumburg, H., et al. 1983. “Sensory Neuropathy from Pyridoxine Abuse. A New Megavitamin Syndrome.” N.Engl.J Med. 309(8):445-448.
It Really Does Take a Village
March 29, 2010I was quite saddened to read a blog post brought to my attention lately. The blogger, Smockity Frocks, judges a four-year-old-girl and her grandmother on an afternoon at the library. (Google docs version of the original post here.) The story has autism written all over it, and the comments that ensued had me growing rather irritated. The blog has since been removed, and she has now posted an apology. http://www.smockityfrocks.com/2010/03/an-apology.html (Thank you!)
I’ve spent a few days mulling over my feelings on this blog and it’s responses. My thoughts were everywhere, ranging from if I couldn’t get a good christian woman’s help or sympathy I’m really doomed in this society, and wondering just what kind of good christian woman she really is, to just being immensely saddened at how my son and the parenting style I am forced to use will be viewed and judged by everyone I encounter. I’ve often bolstered myself by saying it’s not my fault society doesn’t understand us, its societies’ problem for being unable to embrace our differences and gifts. But it hurts. People will only see the negative and not realize just how much work it took to even be there and not having a total meltdown. So what do we do? I don’t know. Even Autism Awareness doesn’t seem to be working, as one of the comments on that blog misquoting in context Temple Grandin ‘s comments about teaching polite behavior demonstrates. Let’s not forget that at four, Ms. Grandin didn’t speak, was prone to tantrums, liked ripping things and stimmed. Yes, she learned social behavior, but not by 4, and not without infraction.
We have to teach our kids to be social, but out in society! Out in public the assaults on their nervous system is so intensified, that even though we have talked about it at home and in the car it’s not as effective as actual practice. I see myself, hopefully, one day to the point of the Grandmother and the “coddled” little girl at the library. Discussing something as abstract as patience with my son, and while maybe not at the level to appease the snippity, knowing how far we’ve come from the days when every public outing ended in tears, running and screaming.
Also, the blog reminded me how we’ve been treated in public before. I’ll share the story of two nurses, because you would think they would be aware of autism and other delays in children. Both stories happened just prior to receiving my son’s diagnosis.
The Tale of Two Nurses
It was my son’s two-year well-baby check up, only he wasn’t very well. He had yet another double ear infection that day. He also hated going to the doctor, in my mind, learned behavior from the surgery he had when he was just a bit over a year old. By the end of the visit, he was beyond control. The assembly line medical care provided by the military clinic resulting not in patience but forcefully restraining my son as to get the exam done in the alloted time. As he had the ear infections, we couldn’t just leave after, but had to wait for the pharmacy at the clinic to get his medication, and I needed to schedule a follow-up. My son was so out of control I couldn’t hold or soothe him. He hit and bit and wiggled and kicked. I held his arm while he screamed and tried to go boneless to slip from my grasp. I did happen to notice that running seemed to soothe him, and since nothing else was working, I gave in and let him do a few laps. (In hindsight, this was vestibular input, probably even more out of whack due to his ear infection). At this point a nurse came up to me and told me I had to get him under control or she would report me to patient administration and have us barred from the building. I was about at my wit’s end, had a rude retort for her and then locked my son and myself into one of the private bathrooms used for obtaining samples and had a good long cry. When I came out, the patient advocate was there along with a man in uniform who helped us get through getting the medicine so we could leave.
Just a few weeks later my son had to be examined by a orthopaedist. Only this time he started his meltdown the moment we entered the building. I was trying to juggle soothing and distracting him while filling out the patient intake forms. Only this time a nurse came out after a few minutes of watching me struggle. She spoke in a very friendly and soothing voice to my son and helped distract him so I could do the paperwork. Everything about the entire visit went more smoothly at that point, and it just took a little compassion and help as opposed to harsh judgements. A few weeks later, we did receive the autism diagnosis, and I have since learned coping and parenting skills but even that is not perfect. When other parents and adults step up to help it makes a big difference, both for my son and me. I may try my hardest, but I’m still just a single mom who needs help.
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