Treating Autism with Vitamin B6
Pyridoxine & Magnesium Supplements for Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Many studies have been carried out to examine the effects of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and magnesium supplements on autistic spectrum disorders. Research indicates that 50% or more of those treated make significant improvements, often within just a few days.
Remarkable Results
A 1968 study of 16 autistic children with serious behavioral problems found that 75% made dramatic improvements with high doses of vitamin B6, 3 of them actually speaking for the first time ever. The subjects also made better eye contact, showed greater interest in interacting and had fewer outbursts of emotion or temper. While not entirely cured, their functioning was significantly higher. Overall, studies suggest that treatment with high doses of vitamin B6 along with normal doses of magnesium may be more effective than medication for some autistic people who have difficulty controlling their behavior.
Parents rate vitamin B6 and magnesium highly as a treatment for autistic spectrum disorders. Of 321 parent ratings provided to the Autism Research Institute, 50% saw improvements with vitamin B6 and magnesium supplementation, while 45% saw no effects and 5% said that their children grew worse. Magnesium on its own was not as effective, with improvements noted in just 16% of cases.
How it Works
It is believed that those with autistic spectrum disorders may suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B6 and magnesium, given the significant benefits achieved through supplementation. Research shows that levels of magnesium in their blood are lower than those of children without autism. Interestingly, magnesium has also proven beneficial for some children with ADHD.
Safety
Minor side effects of large doses of vitamin B6 may include nausea, diarrhea or hyperactivity. However, these effects are uncommon and more likely to occur only when the dose is too high or increased too rapidly. Nausea can also result from taking B vitamins on an empty stomach, so children should take vitamin supplements with meals. A very small number of children taking large doses of B6 suffer peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness or tingling of the feet and hands. However, side effects are rare, and taking magnesium with vitamin B6 lowers the risk of them occurring.
Overall, studies indicate that vitamin B6 and magnesium supplementation is safe when overseen by a family doctor or pediatrician. However, the British National Formulary warns that the effects of long-term use of high doses of vitamin B6 are not known.
Required Dose
Dr. Bernard Rimland of the Autism Research Institute recommends approximately 8 mg of vitamin B6 per pound of body weight each day, or 500 mg for a 60-pound child. Magnesium can be toxic at high doses and so only average dosing should be used. Parents should consult a physician to establish the correct dose for their children, as there may be other medical issues to take into consideration.
Dr. Stephen M. Edelson at the Center for the Study of Autism notes that B6 and magnesium supplements should be taken in conjunction with a children’s multivitamin, as this will help in their metabolism. Also, he emphasizes that when choosing vitamins, it is important to avoid those that contain Aspartame (Nutrasweet), as this substance has been linked to neurological damage.
Treating Depression and Anxiety
Those with autistic spectrum disorders often suffer from depression or anxiety as well. Because vitamin B6 has the beneficial effect of increasing the levels of GABA and serotonin in the blood, it can reduce dysphoric or unhappy mental states. While these are preliminary findings and more research is needed, given that vitamin supplementation is relatively safe, B6 could be useful in treating the problematic emotional states of those who have autism or Asperger’s syndrome.
Consult a Physician
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you are interested in using vitamin and mineral supplements to treat autism, depression or other conditions, you should consult your family physician.
Further Reading
For parent ratings of other medications and supplements for autism, see the Autism Research Institute’s Parent Ratings of Behavioural Effects of Biomedical Interventions. For more information on nutritional supplements for autism, see Treating Autism with Vitamin C, Treating Autism with DMG and Vitamin A & Urocholine for Autism.
References
- Autism Canada Foundation. (2007). “Nutritional – B6 and Magnesium.”
- Edelson, S.M., PhD. (2002). “Vitamin B6 and Magnesium.” Center for the Study of Autism, Autism.org.
- Rimland, B., PhD. (1987). “Vitamin B6 (and Magnesium) in the Treatment of Autism.” Autism Research Institute, Autism.org.
- Rimland, B., PhD. (1997). “What is the right 'dosage' for Vitamin B6, DMG, and other nutrients useful in autism?” Autism Research Institute, AutismWebsite.com.
- The Mayo Clinic. (2008). “Vitamin B6.” Mayoclinic.com.
- The National Autistic Society. (2008). “Diet and Vitamins: Therapeutic Approaches.”
