Efficacy of vitamin/mineral supplement on children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVES

The management of language deficits and therapeutic efficacy of micronutrients supplementation in improving presentations in Down syndrome (DS) and autistic children are very challenging. The aim of this open-label study is to explore the effect of micronutrients supplementation together with language stimulating environment on language abilities, the severity of autism spectrum spectrum (ASD) presentations, and on serum levels of some micronutrients and serotonin in these children.

METHODS

DS and autistic children (N = 57) who presented with intellectual disability and developmental language delay were subjected to assessment of the language abilities, severity of autism in ASD participants, in addition to measuring of serum levels of iron, magnesium, B6, B12, and serotonin level by ELISA before and after 16 wk of an oral once-per-day dietary supplementation, together with a home-based language stimulation. The supplement included vitamins (B complex, E, C), trace minerals (Iron, magnesium, zinc), and other nutrients.

RESULTS

All the participants showed improved language abilities (p = 0.01). Autistic children showed reduced autism severity (p = 0.005). Increased levels of iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, and serotonin in the serum after supplementation have been observed (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This research provides further support for the benefits of dietary supplementation with home-based language stimulation for DS and autistic children.