Are B12 Vitamins Effective In The Treatment Of Autistic Children?

Abstract

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by repetitive and restricted behaviors as well as inadequate social communication behaviors. The pathogenetic mechanism of autism has not yet been clarified. However, changes in cellular methylation capacity and antioxidant capacity indicate a metabolic disorder. Furthermore, many research studies have shown that the dietary intake and plasma levels of folat and vitamin B12, which play a crucial role in cognitive functions, in autistic children are different than healthy children. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor involved in antioxidant system and cellular methylation. Therefore, it is claimed that B12 therapy may be effective in the treatment of autistic children and / or in the treatment of various symptoms of autism.

Keywords

• autism
• vitamin b12
• homocysteine
• methylation
• antioxidant