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What is vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy?

Vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy involves giving an autistic person large doses of vitamin B6 with magnesium.

Who is vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy for?

Supporters of this therapy say any autistic child can use the therapy.

What is vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy used for?

This approach aims to improve communication, social interaction and behaviour.

There’s no 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 deficiency, which causes their autism. They claim that taking large doses of vitamin B6 will fix the deficiency, thus curing the autism.

These ideas are not supported by scientific research.

What does vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy involve?

There are no established practice 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 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 (inflammation or wasting away of the sensory nerves), headache, depression, vomiting and sensitivity to light.

Who practises 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. You also need a GP or other medical practitioner to test your child’s current levels of these vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins and minerals are available in many health food stores and pharmacies.

Where can you find a practitioner?

If you’re interested in vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy for your autistic child, see your GP or a paediatrician or dietitian. They can talk with you about the risks and benefits of this therapy.

Parent education, training, support and involvement

If your autistic child is using vitamin B6 and magnesium therapy, you need to ensure your child takes the supplement before each meal for the duration of the therapy. You also need to watch your child for effects and side effects, and you might need to take your child for tests.

Cost considerations

The cost of this therapy depends on the vitamin brand used and the dose, as well as how often the vitamins 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.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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