Research on Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Autism
Overview
Extensive research over the past 20 years highlights the benefits of vitamin and mineral supplementation for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These supplements are not only essential for overall health but are particularly crucial for those with ASD, who often face unique nutritional and metabolic issues.
Challenges Faced by Individuals with ASD
Individuals with ASD frequently encounter dietary and metabolic issues, including:
Research Findings
2004 Study
Pilot study of a moderate dose multivitamin/mineral supplement for children with autistic spectrum disorder
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-month study of twenty (20) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ages 3-8 years.
Results: The supplement group reported significant improvements in sleep and gastrointestinal issues, as measured by a Global Impressions parental questionnaire.
Parental Global Impressions – Average
2011 Study
Effect of a vitamin/mineral supplement on children and adults with autism
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-month study of 141 children and adults with autistic spectrum disorder.
Results: The treatment group showed significant improvements in nutritional status, metabolic issues, and overall ASD symptoms. Notable enhancements were observed in receptive language, hyperactivity, tantrums, and overall scores compared to the placebo group.
2018 Study
Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial
Vitamin/mineral supplement combined with 5 other nutritional/dietary interventions in 12 month randomized controlled trial of 67 children and adults with ASD.
Results: The combined treatment led to numerous benefits, including:
- A 7-point IQ gain compared to none in the control group.
- An 18-month developmental age gain versus 4 months for the control group.
- Vitamin/mineral supplements, alongside fish oil, ranked as the top two nutritional treatments.
- 11% much better, 33% better, 44% slightly better, 11% no change.
- 85% of participants expressed a desire to continue the supplementation after the study.
Behavioral Changes – % Improvement
Developmental Gains in Years
2022 Survey
Vitamin/mineral/micronutrient supplement for autism spectrum disorders: a research survey
Research survey of 161 children and adults with ASD who had used the supplement treatment for 3 or more months (average 12 months).
Results: Significant improvements were reported in overall autism symptoms, language, cognition, play, eye contact, sleep, tantrums, and hyperactivity.
- 73% experienced moderate to great improvement.
- 19% noticed a slight benefit.
- Only 8% reported no benefit.
2024 Update
20 Years in the Making
Based on these previous studies, we modified the vitamin/mineral formulation and developed Cerecell Spectrum AC Enhanced Nutritional Supplementation.
Special features include:
- Comprehensive Formulation: Optimal levels of vitamins and minerals based on clinical trials.
- High Absorption: Includes highly absorbable forms of nutrients.
- Mitochondrial Support: Contains CoQ10, carnitine, and other supportive nutrients.
- Oxidative Stress Support: Features NADH to help recycle glutathione, the primary antioxidant.
- Methylation Support: Includes MTHF and vitamin B12.
- Sulfate and Lithium: Addresses common deficiencies in children with ASD, providing essential minerals like sulfate and lithium.
Elevate potential with Spectrum AC!
** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.
Cerecell is to be used only as an adjunctive supplement. It is not to be used as a replacement or alternative to FDA-approved treatments for ASD, CPAE, PANDAS, or PANS. Please consult with your pediatrician or primary care provider to determine whether this supplement is a good fit for your child.
Note: The information presented on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information found on any product label or packaging. You should always consult with a qualified health care professional before starting any exercise, diet or supplement regimen.
Cerecell recommends that FDA-approved treatments for autism, including Occupational Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Speech Therapy, ABA, Music Therapy, and any other FDA-approved modalities implemented by the patient’s provider, should be used as the first line of treatment.
For CPAE, PANDAS, and PANS, Cerecell endorses all standard FDA therapies as directed by the University of Arizona CPAE clinic, under the Steele Center, considering them the Gold Standard for treating children with these conditions.
Dr. Spiekerman, of Arcadia Pediatric Consulting, is an owner of Cerecell, a division of Arcadia Therapeutics Corp., and stands to gain financially from its sale.