The Effects of Vitamin Therapy on ASD and ADHD: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The effects of a sufficient amounts of vitamins and nutrients on the proper function of the nervous system have always been regarded by scientists. In recent years, there are many studies have been done on controling or improving the symptoms of neurological and behavioral disorders which is created by changes in the level of vitamins and other nutrition, such as omega-3 and iron supplements. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes disruption individual communication, especially in social interactions. Its symptoms include anxiety, violence, depression, self-injury, trouble with social contact and pervasive, stereotyped, and repetitive behavior. ASD is most noticeable in early childhood. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lasting pattern of inattention with or without hyperactivity that makes functional disrupt in daily life. ADHD symptoms included; impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, restlessness, talkativeness, excessive fidgeting in situations as sitting, meetings, lectures, or at the movies, boredom, inability to make decisions, and procrastination. The exact etiology of ADHD has not yet been found, but several observations have been assumed the reduced function of the brain lead to deficits in motor planning and cognitive processing. It has been shown that Pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers could be increased in both ASD and ADHD. Several studies have been done to illustrate if vitamins and other dietary supplements are effective in treatment and prevention of ASD and ADHD. In this review, we aim to evaluate the effects of vitamins and other dietary supplements (e.g., melatonin, zinc supplements, magnesium supplements) on ASD and ADHD.