Autism and Nutrition

     Modification of the diet and supplementation of the diet of autistic individuals carries little risk and offers considerable benefit. A diet free of gluten and dairy resulted in improvement of 69% of those who tried th diet. Over half of those wth the condition improve on a diet free of sugar and food additives. Food allergy treatment resulted in improvement of 67% of the patient population. A wide range of nutrients tried individually resulted in improvement in one-third to one-half of autistic children. Nutrients tested included vitamin A, folic acid, vitamins B6, B12, vitamin C, calcium, mangnesium, and zinc. High dose vitami B6 with magnesium is often beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids improved 59% of the children it was given to. Digestive enzymes improved almost two-thirds of children. A diet free of disaccharides (this includes grains) which promote growth of potentilly harmful bacteria in the digestive tract improved 71% of patients. These nutritional approaches did not have a worsening effect in most instances.