Pilot study of a moderate dose multivitamin/mineral supplement for children with autistic spectrum disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the effect of a moderate dose multivitamin/mineral supplement on children with autistic spectrum disorder.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-month study.


METHODS
Twenty (20) children with autistic spectrum disorder, ages 3-8 years.


RESULTS
A Global Impressions parental questionnaire found that the supplement group reported statistically significant improvements in sleep and gastrointestinal problems compared to the placebo group. An evaluation of vitamin B(6) levels prior to the study found that the autistic children had substantially elevated levels of B6 compared to a control group of typical children (75% higher, p < 0.0000001). Vitamin C levels were measured at the end of the study, and the placebo group had levels that were significantly below average for typical children, whereas the supplement group had near-average levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The finding of high vitamin B(6) levels is consistent with recent reports of low levels of pyridoxal-5-phosphate and low activity of pyridoxal kinase (i.e., pyridoxal is only poorly converted to pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the enzymatically active form). This may explain the functional need for high-dose vitamin B(6) supplementation in many children and adults with autism.
Adams
James B
JB
Arizona State University, PO Box 876006, Tempe, AZ 85287-6006, USA. jim.adams@asu.edu
Holloway
Charles
C
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013997:Time Factors; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D025101:Vitamin B 6 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins; D025101:Vitamin B 6