From the Guidelines
There is limited evidence supporting vitamin supplements for cognitive development in children with autism, and no single vitamin regimen is universally recommended. While some studies suggest potential benefits from certain supplements, the current evidence is not strong enough to make definitive recommendations. According to the practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder 1, structured educational and behavioral interventions have been shown to be effective for many children with ASD and are associated with better outcomes.
- Vitamin D supplementation (typically 600-1000 IU daily) has shown modest promise in some research, as many children with autism have lower vitamin D levels.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (approximately 1-1.5g daily) may help with attention and hyperactivity symptoms in some children.
- Vitamin B6 combined with magnesium has mixed evidence but might support neurotransmitter function when taken at appropriate doses (B6 at 0.6mg/kg/day and magnesium at 6mg/kg/day).
- Multivitamins addressing nutritional gaps may be beneficial for children with restricted diets, which are common in autism. Before starting any supplement regimen, parents should consult with healthcare providers to determine individual needs, appropriate dosing, and to monitor for potential side effects, as recommended by the practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder 1. Supplements should complement, not replace, evidence-based behavioral and educational interventions for autism. The biological rationale centers on addressing potential metabolic differences and nutritional deficiencies that might affect brain development and function in children with autism, though more research is needed to establish definitive benefits, as noted in the practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder 1 and the study on alternative treatments for autism spectrum disorder 1.
From the Research
Vitamin Supplements for Children's Cognitive Development with Autism
- There is evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D supplements may have a positive effect on cognitive development and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A systematic review of 11 studies found that DHA and EPA supplementation may improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive functioning in children with ASD 3.
- Another study found that vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduced irritability symptoms in children with ASD, and vitamin D also reduced hyperactivity symptoms 4.
- A case report found that omega-3 and vitamin D co-supplementation improved ASD symptoms in a 23-year-old male with autism 2.
- However, a systematic review of 20 clinical controlled studies found that the effects of omega-3 supplementation on ASD were too weak to conclude that core symptoms were alleviated, while vitamin D supplementation improved core symptoms, particularly behavioral functioning 5.
- The evidence suggests that omega-3 and vitamin D combination supplementation may have a good combined effect on social and behavioral outcomes in patients with ASD 5.
Key Findings
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, may improve cognitive functions in children with ASD 3.
- Vitamin D supplementation may improve behavioral functioning in children with ASD 4, 5.
- Omega-3 and vitamin D co-supplementation may have a positive effect on ASD symptoms 2, 5.
- More research is needed to fully understand the effects of vitamin supplements on cognitive development and ASD symptoms in children 3, 6, 5.