Magnesium and Autism – Improving the Quality of Life
Present statistics from the Centers for Disease Control find
1 in 166 children suffering autism or autism spectrum disorders. Eighty percent
of children develop autism for no reason that conventional medicine has been
able to identify. However, parents of many of these children can pinpoint the
decline in their child’s health to a vaccination or series of vaccinations –
especially if they were given when the child had a cold or flu.
The hallmark of autism is impaired social interaction –
these children don’t respond normally to other people and the world around
them. In the face of repetitive movements, aggressiveness or apathy and
withdrawal, often their physical symptoms are overlooked. However, the majority
of children with autism have:
* Normal development for 12-30 months followed by regression
* GI problems - chronic diarrhea or constipation.
* Sleep problems
* Excessive drooling
* Impaired muscle tone
* Ear infections with extended use of antibiotics
Vaccines have been preserved with thimerisol - a mercury
compound since the 1920’s. Some companies have voluntarily removed the high
amounts of mercury from their products, however, all vaccines, use thimerisol
in their manufacture and only some companies remove it completely. Testing in
2005 found that drug companies do not succeed in removing it all and there were
residues of mercury in most vaccines tested. For a sensitive child, even a
molecule of mercury can be toxic.
Lined up on one side of the battle lines about thimerisol
are the vaccine manufacturers, government agencies, and conventional
medicine; on the other side are intelligent and concerned parents and a handful
of researchers who have uncovered convincing evidence that is being ignored. A
chilling fact is that children who have never been vaccinated, never acquire
autism according to records kept by doctors who treat the Amish, a religious
sect that refuses inoculations.
Another reason why vaccines may be harmful has been
uncovered by the work of Dr. Andrew Wakefield. When he identified live measles virus
in the intestines of children with autism and bowel dysfunction, the only
possible origin was MMR vaccination. A firestorm of protest has erupted against Dr.
Wakefield personally and against his findings. None of that changes the fact
that most autistic children suffer bowel dysfunction.
The conventional medical treatment for autism is
symptomatic. The alternative treatments are focused on detoxifying mercury and overcoming
a particular kinase enzyme deficiency caused by mercury that many autistic
children have. Without a properly working kinase PI3 system the children can’t
break down wheat and dairy.
Instead, they make opiates from these foods, which cause
brain damage. The most important and first treatment for autism is avoidance of
sugar, wheat and dairy.
Kinase PI3 enzyme damage also means that autistics can’t
absorb B12 or folate and it must be given in the methylated B12 and folinate
forms of these B vitamins. Treatments to detoxify mercury are varied. They
range from IV glutathione, DMPS, EDTA, to oral chlorella but must be
undertaken with utmost caution to prevent re-circulation of mercury through their
sensitive brains.
Additionally, according to Dr. Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. of the
Autism Research Insitute, numerous studies have shown that vitamin B6 and
magnesium have successfully been used to treat autism. Per Dr. Rimland:
"There was better eye contact, less self-stimulatory behavior, more
interest in the world around them, fewer tantrums, more speech, and in general
the children became more normal, although they were not completely cured. While
no patient has been cured with the vitamin B6 and magnesium treatment, there
have been many instances where remarkable improvement has been achieved. In
view of the consistent findings showing the safety and efficacy of the
nutrients B6 and magnesium in treating autistic individuals, and in view of the
inevitability of short and/or long-term side effects of drug use, it certainly
seems that this safe and rational approach should be tried before drugs are
employed."
In my onw practice, my most dramatic experience with kids
and magnesium is in the autism world. These kids can’t sleep, are constipated,
experience twitching and spasming, irritability and moodiness – all symptoms of
magnesium deficiency. Within days of taking magnesium, these kids are
different. They are no longer constipated, they sleep better, they are calmer
and more enjoyable to be with.
As for the safety of magnesium – there is no build up of
magnesium in the body. If there is “too much” then they get the laxative effect
which takes magnesium out of the body. But, don’t give a day’s worth of
magnesium all at once. Spread it out. Not all forms of magnesium are the same, try one of the most
absorbable forms of magnesium in a powdered magnesium citrate that is taken
with hot or cold water.
Each child is unique and requires an individualized
treatment protocol with a knowledgeable practitioner. The ideas, procedures and
suggestions contained in this blog post are not intended as a substitute for
consulting with your physician. All
matters regarding your physical health require medical supervision. Neither the
author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss, injury or
damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this blog post.
The opinions expressed in this blog post represent the personal views of the
author and not the publisher.
Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND
Medical Director
Nutritional Magnesium Association
Disclaimer: Acting Balanced is posting Autism Awareness Posts from a variety of sources for the purposes of education and information. All opinions expressed are that of the author and may not necessarily be that of Acting Balanced. Please discuss all courses of action and treatment with a primary care physician and therapy team before deciding what is right for yourself or your child.
