Vitamin D may have direct effect on brain development, social behavior and autism

Vitamin D may have direct effect on brain development, social behavior and autism

Vitamin D could have a 'critical influence' levels of serotonin in the brain and may directly effect social behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to new research.

Writing in The FASEB Journal, the study suggests that adequate levels of vitamin D may be required to produce serotonin in the brain where it shapes the structure and wiring of the brain, acts as a neurotransmitter, and affects social behavior.

    

Led by Professor Bruce Ames of Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) in the US, the study demonstrates that serotonin, oxytocin, and vasopressin three brain hormones that affect social behavior are all activated by vitamin D.

“We present evidence that vitamin D hormone (calcitriol) activates the transcription of the serotonin synthesizing gene tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in the brain at a vitamin D response element (VDRE) and represses the transcription of TPH1 in tissues outside the bloodbrain

barrier at a distinct VDRE suggesting a causal link between the sunshine vitamin, serotonin and autism,” wrote Ames and his colleagues.

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They noted that autism, which is characterized by abnormal social behavior, has previously been linked to low levels of serotonin in the brain and to low vitamin D levels, but no mechanism has linked the two until now.

Indeed, Ames and his team suggested that their study sheds light on, and offers a mechanism to explain many of the known, but previously not understood facts about autism.

“This mechanism explains how low vitamin D hormone levels result in aberrant serotonin synthesis, subsequently leading to abnormal brain development,” wrote the research team. “Low vitamin D hormone levels during foetal and neonatal development could result in poor TPH2 expression and subsequently reduced serotonin concentrations in the developing brain.”

They added that such a suggestion may mean that adequate vitamin D hormone levels during pregnancy, as well as nutritional intake of tryptophan and vitamin D during early childhood, “may have a critical influence on brain serotonin levels and, thus, on the structure and neural wiring of the brain.”

Learn more here by Nathan Gray 

Folic acid in pregnancy tied to lower autism risk

Folic acid in pregnancy tied to lower autism risk

By Genevra Pittman (Reuters Health) 

Women who took extra folic acid in the weeks before and just after becoming pregnant were less likely to have a child with autism, in a new study from Norway.

Because lack of folic acid has been tied to brain and spinal cord birth defects, groups including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) already call for women who may become pregnant to take daily supplements containing the B vitamin.

The new study "provides an additional reason to take folic acid, in addition to the preventive effect that we already know it has against neural tube defects," said Dr. Pal Suren from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo, who led the research.

"It underlines the importance of starting early, preferably before the pregnancy," he told Reuters Health.

One in 88 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number has risen in recent years, but it's unclear whether that's due to more kids with symptoms or doctors who are more likely to recognize and diagnose autism.

The new study, which appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association, doesn't prove low folic acid in pregnant women causes their babies to develop autism, or that high doses can prevent it. And Suren and his colleagues didn't see an effect of folic acid on other autism spectrum disorders, such as Asperger's.

They followed just over 85,000 women and their children, born between 2002 and 2008.

When women were about halfway through their pregnancies, they reported on any supplements or vitamins they'd taken in the few weeks before becoming pregnant and the two months afterward - the time when folic acid is thought to have the strongest effect on development.

By the time their kids were between three and 10 years old, 270 had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, including 114 with autism itself.

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Suren's team found one in 1,000 babies born to women who reported taking folic acid early in pregnancy had autism, compared to about two in 1,000 of those whose moms didn't take folic acid. On the other hand, there was no link between fish oil taken during pregnancy and autism risk.

That suggests it's something about folic acid, in particular, that influences a baby's autism risk.

"The biggest problem we have is, how do you know it's folic acid and not just a more health-conscious mother?" said Cathrine Hoyo, who has studied folic acid supplementation at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

"Doing that (analysis) really added another layer toward convincing us that there is something to it," Hoyo, who wasn't involved in the new research, told Reuters Health.

BEFORE PREGNANCY, TOO

Researchers said folic acid's effects on genes and DNA repair could explain its role in brain development disorders in growing babies, including autism.

Isotonix PreNatal --Healthful diets containing adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect

The USPSTF recommends all women who are planning to or could become pregnant take between 400 and 800 micrograms of the vitamin daily. The U.S. and Canada have also required flour to be fortified with folic acid since the late 1990s to cut down on birth defect risks.

Still, "The message for folic acid before pregnancy has been a little bit lost," said Rebecca Schmidt, who has studied prenatal vitamins and autism at the University of California, Davis.

"If you are not even just planning a pregnancy, but able to get pregnant, then you should be taking some sort of folic acid supplement," she told Reuters Health.

SOURCE: bit.ly/JjFzqx Journal of the American Medical Association, online February 12, 2013. 

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Isotonix Activated B-Complex delivers metabolically active forms of several vitamins and minerals. This is important because traditional forms of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid found in most other B complex products must undergo chemical changes in order to be utilized by the body. Several factors including age and nutritional status may decrease the body’s ability to activate these vitamins. By providing the metabolically active forms of these vitamins in isotonic form, you can be certain that your body is getting the vital nutrients it needs quickly and effectively.*

A vitamin B-complex is a mixture of the eight essential B-vitamins that play a critical role in metabolism at the cellular level. B-vitamins are important for hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. B vitamin deficiency can lead to fatigue and lethargy, which is why B-complex supplements are excellent energy boosters and anti-stress formulas.*

Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.

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Study Finds Antioxidant Effective For Autism

Study Finds Antioxidant Effective For Autism

by Sean Wells

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a nutrient well-known specifically for displaying strong antioxidant activity, has been advocated as a valuable asset for purposes related to detoxification. A new study now suggests it may be effective in easing irritability and repetitive behaviors in children with autism–a disorder displaying alarming increases.

The 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involved 33 children, aged 3 to 12, and, reflective of the general characteristic of the disorder, predominantly male (31 of 33). All were diagnosed with an autistic disorder and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) score of 4 or higher.

The children were randomly divided into experimental and placebo groups. The N-acetyl cysteine protocol involved a steady increase in dosage, consisting first of 900 mg of NAC administered daily for four  weeks, followed by 900 mg twice daily for four weeks, followed by 900 mg taken three times daily for a final four weeks.

Follow-up data were available on 14 of the children in the NAC-receiving group and on 15 children in the placebo group. Compared with placebo, NAC treatment was associated with a significant decrease in irritability scores from 13.1 to 7.2 on the Aberrant Behavior Check List (or ABC) irritability subscale. Improvement was observed in week four and continued through weeks eight and 12, according to authors.

The change is not as large as that seen in children taking antipsychotics, according to lead investigator Antonio Hardan, MD, from Stanford University School of Medicine, in Palo Alto, California, “but this is still a potentially valuable tool to have before jumping on these big guns.”

These results lend some support to related observations involving dietary changes in autistic children, particularly so-called “elimination diets”, and collectively these studies serve to strengthen the association believed to exist between certain nutritional “pollutants” and the impaired cognitive function characteristic of autism. Additional research is required to help narrow the focus, but the study above not only reveals more about the causes of autism, but potentially one part of the solution.

Children and Autism: Many nutrients have been clinically shown to play a role in kids’ health:

Children and Autism

Autism is a severe developmental disorder that is usually first diagnosed in early childhood. Most autistic children are perfectly normal in appearance, but have issues in areas of communication, social interactions and repetitive behaviors. It’s currently unexplained, but the prevalence of autism in males is 4:1 compared to females. There are milder versions of autism, such as Asperger’s Syndrome, that are referred to as being on the autism spectrum.

Some common symptoms of autism include decreased social interaction, an aversion to physical contact, repetitive behaviors such as rocking or hand-flapping, poor eye contact, insensitivity to pain, hyperactivity, and attention deficits, to name a few. There is also a very high incidence of gastrointestinal problems, auto-immune disease and mental retardation in those with autism. In fact, 90% of these children suffer from gastrointestinal challenges. Autistic individuals also have reduced glutathione levels, which contribute to higher oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress may explain the high incidences of gastrointestinal and immune abnormalities seen in autism.

Many nutrients have been clinically shown to play a role in kids’ health:

Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin and minerals are essential components for numerous processes in the body related to growth and development.  Get all your vitamins and minerals  here.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum Multivitamin

Beta-Carotene is a nutrient found in plants that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A may be useful for the treatment of autism because it is involved in cell growth and differentiation in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract and brain; areas that are problematic for those with autism. Some studies have reported improvements among autistic individuals supplemented with vitamin A, such as language, eye contact, socialization and sleep patterns. Vitamin A deficiency is also common among those with autism. According to data from the Autism Research Institute, the B:W (Better:Worse with treatment) ratio reported by parents of autistic children for vitamin A is 22:1, meaning when supplemented with beta-carotene, 22 autistic individuals got better for every 1 that got worse.

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate is the active form of vitamin B6. The conversion of B6 to P5P in the liver can be problematic for some autistic children, so it is best to use the P5P form. This form has not been associated with toxicity. Vitamin B6 is the master vitamin for numerous metabolic pathways in the body. One specific function is its involvement in the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain and peripheral nerve cells, which are critical for the development of language, attention, alertness, etc. B6 is also required for the production of glutathione which is crucial for detoxification. Another proposed mechanism of action is the role of vitamin B6 as a cofactor for enzymes that degrade oxalates (organic compounds that appear increased in autistic individuals). Vitamin B6 is the most studied nutrient among autistic children and is often given in combination with magnesium.

Significant improvements in common autism symptoms, such as behavior, better eye contact, fewer tantrums, improved sleep patterns, better speech, etc., have been consistently reported using vitamin B6 and magnesium. In fact, the combination of B6 and magnesium has been described by many as a “breakthrough autism intervention.”

Methylcobalamin (B12) is a water-soluble vitamin needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). B12 is a necessary component for the conversion of sulfur-containing compounds to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the body. Because those with autism may have fewer beneficial bacteria in the gut to make vitamin B12 or they have a reduced synthesis of Intrinsic Factor, or more simply, autistic children don’t get enough B12 in their diet due to their food choices, a deficiency is common.

Folic Acid (Folinic acid) is essential for numerous processes in the body and is critical for development of the nervous system. Folinic acid is the metabolically active form of folic acid. Folic acid is a B vitamin essential for numerous processes in the body and is critical for development of the nervous system. Additionally, folic acid aids in the conversion of sulfur-containing compounds to glutathione, and this antioxidant is extremely important in autistic individuals.

Many studies have documented improvements in sleep, communication, social interaction and other behaviors with supplementation with folic acid in autistic individuals. According to data from the Autism Research Institute, the B:W (Better:Worse with treatment) ratio reported by parents of autistic children for folic acid is 11:1, meaning 11 autistic individuals supplementing with folic acid got better for every one that got worse.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes needed to repair wounds, synthesize proteins, aid in the development and maintenance of the brain, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals, among many other functions. When zinc levels are down, copper levels are often increased. According to data from the Autism Research Institute, 90% of autistic children have this abnormal zinc to copper ratio. Because zinc helps facilitate the excretion of excess copper, it is important to make sure a multivitamin has an adequate amount of zinc. The B:W (Better:Worse with treatment) ratio reported by parents of autistic children for zinc is 17:1.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum Probiotics

Probiotics play a critical role in achieving optimal digestive health and help children maintain a bacterial balance within their digestive tracts. The digestive system naturally houses trillions of “good” bacteria that directly help the body digest, modify and convert the foods we eat, but disruptions to these populations of probiotics (good bacteria) are common. Probiotics must be kept at normal levels in order to overwhelm the other bacteria, which may begin to run rampant in the event the good bacteria levels decrease. There are numerous strains of probiotics, all of which work to maintain optimal bacterial balance, promote bowel regularity and stomach comfort, improve gastrointestinal health and support the digestive system. Some important strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium infantis.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are a key component in the digestive system and collectively support the breakdown of complex macromolecules into energy sources and promote the release of the nutrient content from the foods we eat. Ingredients such as DigeZyme® (which is a multi-enzyme complex composed mainly of amylases, proteases and lipases), sucrase and maltase supplement the gastrointestinal tract with enzymes to adequately support the body’s ability to digest food. In addition to the physical discomfort caused by poor digestion, undigested (and consequently unabsorbed) food in the gastrointestinal tract serves as fuel to intestinal microbes, causing them to overpopulate and ferment. These fermenting microbes lower the pH of the colon and increase bacterial toxins in the gut. Supplementation with digestive enzymes provides the body with the additional support it needs for proper digestion. In addition to abdominal discomfort, there is also a connection between the function of the digestive system and the brain. Research suggests that promoting normal digestion may in turn support physical health.

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Pycnogenol® is natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France. This pine bark extract is an all natural combination of proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, and organic acids. It is one of the most potent antioxidants backed by clinical research. As one of the most potent natural scavenger of free radicals, Pycnogenol combats many aggressive free radicals before they cause oxidative stress to vital organs. Trebaticka et al treated 61 children with ADHD with Pycnogenol for 1 month. They saw a significant reduction in hyperactivity, as well as improved attention, coordination and concentration. The placebo group had no positive effects, and one month after termination of Pycnogenol administration a relapse of symptoms was noted.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that has a number of biological functions. It is essential for tissue repair, wound and bone healing, immune function among other things. Its role as a cofactor for dopamine production may help to explain the improvement in symptoms of those with autism when supplemented with vitamin C. One study even showed an improvement in sensory motor scores and sleep patterns. Also, several studies have shown children with autism have significant oxidative stress, so supplementing with a proven antioxidant, like vitamin C, is helpful in combating free radicals. Vitamin C also elevates glutathione levels, another important antioxidant in the body. According to data from the Autism Research Institute, the B:W (Better:Worse with treatment) ratio reported by parents of autistic children for vitamin C is 16:1.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential”: they are vital for life and they are not able to be produced by the body. While most other nutrients – vitamins and minerals, for example – can be synthesized by the body, certain omega-3s (including EPA and DHA) cannot. They are especially important in childhood, when the brain – which is made up of approximately 60 percent fat – and immune system are developing.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3

Unfortunately, many children are not receiving adequate omega-3 fatty acids from food sources. According to the American Dietetic Association and the Dieticians of Canada, nine out of 10 children are deficient in the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Children need ample amounts of omega-3 fatty acids to support their brain and immune health. Ensure your children receive the omega-3s they need with Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3.*

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