The B vitamins, which are water-soluble, are crucial for a variety of reasons. Nerves cannot function normally without them. B vitamin deficiency along with heavy metal toxicity is among the leading causes of irritability, anger, and violent episodes. It is also commonly a problem among those with anxiety and seizures.
The B vitamins protect the brain from excitotoxicity, and a deficiency in B vitamins causes low taurine levels, reducing the body’s ability to detoxify. B vitamins are essential or crucial to survival, but our bodies cannot make them, so they must be provided by dietary means. The B vitamins also increase cellular energy.
The B vitamins can be purchased in a form called pyridoxal-5- phosphate, or P5P. This is a more bioavailable (absorbable) form. Some people supplement with vitamin B6 and do not notice results. It is possible that this is because they are not using a quality bioavailable form such as P5P and it is not being utilized by the body. B vitamins also work synergistically, meaning they work better together because one often needs another in order to be able to do its job properly.
In excess, B vitamins, especially synthetic ones can create hyperactivity. Natural forms will not do this. The foods you see in stores that read, “fortified with essential vitamins,” are filled with synthetic vitamins. Watch your child for signs of behavioral changes after starting any new food or supplement.
Natural sources of B vitamins, such as beta-carotene from vegetables, will not accumulate in the body the same way synthetic vitamins can. For this reason, I like to use super green food supplements. My favorite choice is the organic Super Green powder from Touchstone.
VITAMIN B 1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine is another name for vitamin B1. Thiamine is involved in energy production, normal nerve functioning, and metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
VITAMIN B 2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin is another name for vitamin B2. Riboflavin 5- phosphate is the active form of vitamin B2. Riboflavin is important in normal nerve functioning, building ATP (commonly low with mitochondria dysfunction), increases energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and assists in the production of glutathione. It is important for the health of the eyes, mucus membranes, skin, and fetal growth and development. Riboflavin is involved in converting vitamin B6 and folic acid into their active forms. It is naturally found in eggs, meat, and broccoli.
VITAMIN B3 (Niacinamide)
Vitamin B3 also comes in forms known as niacin and niacinamide. It assists the activity of GABA in the system creating a calming affect, metabolizes fat, and is commonly used in treating high cholesterol. Too much B3 may harm the liver, and cause skin sensitivities. Excess niacinamide also uses up methyl groups resulting in further deficiency in methylation. Keep dosages to 50 mg per day or less. It is naturally found in greens, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
VITAMIN B5 (Pantothenic acid)
Pantothenic acid is important in the production of energy and assists the adrenal glands. It is helpful for those with ADHD, autism, asthma, depression, diabetic nerve pain, and more. It is naturally found in meat, eggs, and grains. Generally, 25 mg per day is helpful.
VITAMIN B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine and must be converted to pyridoxal-5 phosphate (P5P as noted above) to be properly used by the body. It is helpful for children with autism in doses up to 500 mgs per day. Vitamin B6 is important in nerve functioning and maintaining a healthy immune system, and also assists methylation. It is beneficial for the GI system, symptoms of nausea, and assisting with better sleep. Vitamin B6 also lowers blood and brain levels of glutamate. Higher dosages of vitamin B6 have been used in treatment with seizures. Generally, 25 mgs per day is helpful.
FOLIC ACID OR FOLATE
Folic acid is synthetic and commonly in multivitamins and fortified foods. This can cause excess to build in the body. The body has a limited ability to convert folic acid to folate. Too much folic acid can affect gene expression, may reduce immune system function, and exacerbate vitamin B12 deficiency. It is critical to make sure to check your multivitamin, because most will contain folic acid and not folate.
Folate acid is important in nerve functioning, DNA synthesis, and helps build vitamin B12. Methyl B12 builds methylation, so they are both essential components for proper immune function and antibody formation.
VITAMIN METHYL B12
Most children on the autism spectrum are deficient in vitamin Methyl B12. Mercury in the system is known to alter the body’s ability to make its own B12, and when the gut is disrupted, it cannot absorb nutrients properly. Vitamin Methyl B12 blocks glutamate from the brain, preventing excitotoxic damage. It also revives methylation.
Vitamin Methyl B12 is necessary for digestion, food absorption, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, protection of the myelin sheath (nerve tissue coverings), and metabolizing of fats and carbohydrates. It also assists the immune system by helping to build the master antioxidant, glutathione, and building red blood cells, which also helps to prevent anemia.
Common symptoms of deficiency are depression, mania, and fatigue. It is also important in fetal growth and development.
Once your child’s GI tract has healed, B12 will be more available to the body and more absorbable via the intestinal tract.The best food sources of vitamin B12 are beef, lamb, liver, fish (especially shellfish), and eggs. If there is an allergy to eggs it is usually to the white portion. When in doubt muscle test for it. The B vitamins are in the yolk, so you can separate the yolk from the white. Eggs from goose or duck have almost five times the amount of B12 compared to chicken eggs. Egg yolks also have the added benefits of vitamins B2, D, and iron.
Vitamin Methyl B12 supplements come in two different forms. The most common form used is cyanocobalamin. Cobalamin is the actual B12 portion. Cyanide is added as a stabilizing agent to preserve the cobalamin in packaging. In order for the cobalamin to be activated, the cyanide must be removed by an enzyme. If the body is not able to remove the cyanide, not only will you not benefit from the cobalamin, but it will actually block the B12 component. When looking for vitamin B12, be sure to get Methylcobalamin and not cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin or methyl B12 is the natural form of B12. By using methyl B12 no conversion is needed, therefore, it is very absorbable. Read your labels!
A few physical signs of MTHFR gene mutation:
-a sacral dimple
-A blue line between the eyebrows
-tongue tie (Please watch my interview on myofunctional disorders to learn more)
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The first crucial step of autism recovery is to begin restoring health to the gut and the immune system.
The health of the gut is directly linked to the health of the brain and therefore to the symptoms of autism. In fact, 80% of the immune system comes from the gut so if the gut is not healthy, then the brain can’t thrive, and the immune system is compromised. It’s a vicious cycle, but thankfully, it’s one that we can put an end to by first eliminating harmful foods.
- Harmful Foods: Identify the foods that worsen autism symptoms and understand the science behind their impact.
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