What is vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy for autism?
Vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy involves giving an autistic person large doses of vitamin B6 with magnesium. These doses are usually much higher than the amounts found in a typical multivitamin or in food.
Who is vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy for?
Supporters of vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy for autism say that any autistic child can use the therapy.
Sometimes doctors might recommend vitamin B6 or magnesium supplements for children who have deficiencies.
What is vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy used for?
This approach aims to improve communication, social interaction and behaviour.
There’s no strong evidence that B6 and magnesium therapy changes autism characteristics.
Where does vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy come from?
This approach is based on a 1960s theory that suggests that some psychiatric disorders are caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Initially, vitamin B6 was used as a treatment for schizophrenia and was later used with children with ‘autistic syndrome’.
What is the idea behind vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy for autistic people?
Supporters of this therapy believe that autistic people might have a vitamin B6 or magnesium deficiency, which causes their autism. They claim that taking large doses of vitamin B6 or magnesium will fix the deficiency, thus curing the autism or reducing the characteristics of autism.
These ideas are not supported by scientific research.
What does vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy involve?
There are no established guidelines for this approach. Generally, it’s suggested that people take large doses of vitamin B6 (usually in tablet form) along with magnesium. Magnesium is supposed to help the body absorb the vitamin B6 and reduce any side effects.
Does vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy help autistic children?
There’s no strong scientific evidence that vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy changes the core characteristics of autism.
Possible side effects of giving large doses of vitamin B6 include sensory neuropathy, which is inflammation or deterioration of the sensory nerves. Sensory neuropathy can cause tingling, burning, numbness or pain in the hands or feet. Large doses of B6 have also been linked with headache, depression, vomiting and sensitivity to light.
High doses of magnesium can have side effects including diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain.
Which professionals offer vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy?
It’s always best to speak to a GP, paediatrician or dietitian before giving large doses of vitamins and minerals to your child. They can test your child’s vitamin B6 and magnesium levels and monitor your child for side effects.
Where can you get vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy?
If you’re interested in vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy for your autistic child, see your GP or a paediatrician or dietitian before starting. They can talk with you about the risks and benefits of this therapy.
How are parents involved in vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy?
If your autistic child is using vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy, you might have a role in giving the supplements to your child. You will also have an important role in watching your child for effects and side effects, and you might need to take your child for tests.
How much does vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy cost?
The cost of this therapy depends on the supplement brand used and the dose, as well as how often the supplements are taken.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.