Follow on question: Nutritional Supplements for kids with SPD?

[Anonymous]

What is the Methyl B12 for and where did you get it? How did you come to the conclusion that it was something you were interested in? Just asking because our ped is not helpful in terms of supplements either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the Methyl B12 for and where did you get it? How did you come to the conclusion that it was something you were interested in? Just asking because our ped is not helpful in terms of supplements either.

There are two parts to your question. One is B12 in general, the other is B12 specifically in the methylated form.

Autism specialists recommend B12 and they have overwhelming patient-centric anecdotal evidence for the successful intervention of vitamin B12. There's a protocol for Methyl B-12 injections which has had excellent results for ASD children and SPD children, but rests on the assumption that many of these kids have intestinal issues such that administering the vitamin via the oral route won't yield sufficient absorption. If your child has serious immune issues or gut/intestinal issues you should consider the SQ (subcutaneous) version of B12. If you choose to go that route, you will need to see a DAN! doctor (Defeat Autism Now!) in order to get the prescription for the injectable form. It is administered in a much lower dosage than any oral version.

You see, vitamin B12 is necessary for the methylation process, key to healthy neurological functioning. The healthy human body absorbs B12 via the intestines. In most forms (i.e. cobalamin, cyanocobalamin) the liver - via the intestines - does the necessary work of converting the molecule into a useable form - Methyl b12 (methylcobalamin). However, as the gut flora is assumed to be compromised in most ASD/SPD patients, administering the vitamin sub-Q is desirable by default because it bypasses the GI tract. Having said that, some parents whose children's GI tracts appear uncompromised prefer the oral form because it is less traumatic (and less expensive). In those cases, the generally accepted dosage is 5000mg every 1 to 5 days. If you have a Whole Foods near you, chances are they sell it in their vitamin and supplements section. There's a brand - Bluebonnet (with which I have no affiliation other than as purchaser on behalf of my child) which offers Methyl B12 in a raspberry-flavored chewable tablet in the 5000mg dosage.

Good luck

[Anonymous]

Wow -- thanks for the comprehensive answer. I really appreciate it. I know others will as well.

[Anonymous]

Following up on the epsom salts information, I just read the label on a carton of epsom salts and it says not to use if for children 6 and under. Is this just a boilerplate warning or is there a reason for this admonition? Because of the warning, there is no recommended dosage to pour into the bath for a kid 6 and under. Any thoughts on this?

[Anonymous]

we only use two cups per bath (lots of water) since DD was 3. I'd start at 1/2 cup and work up. We have not had any problems, but likely would not use the super high concentration I have seen on some of the boxes of salts for injuries (just seems like to much for a kid). I also mix in 1/2 cup of baking soda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the Methyl B12 for and where did you get it? How did you come to the conclusion that it was something you were interested in? Just asking because our ped is not helpful in terms of supplements either.

There are two parts to your question. One is B12 in general, the other is B12 specifically in the methylated form.

Autism specialists recommend B12 and they have overwhelming patient-centric anecdotal evidence for the successful intervention of vitamin B12. There's a protocol for Methyl B-12 injections which has had excellent results for ASD children and SPD children, but rests on the assumption that many of these kids have intestinal issues such that administering the vitamin via the oral route won't yield sufficient absorption. If your child has serious immune issues or gut/intestinal issues you should consider the SQ (subcutaneous) version of B12. If you choose to go that route, you will need to see a DAN! doctor (Defeat Autism Now!) in order to get the prescription for the injectable form. It is administered in a much lower dosage than any oral version.

You see, vitamin B12 is necessary for the methylation process, key to healthy neurological functioning. The healthy human body absorbs B12 via the intestines. In most forms (i.e. cobalamin, cyanocobalamin) the liver - via the intestines - does the necessary work of converting the molecule into a useable form - Methyl b12 (methylcobalamin). However, as the gut flora is assumed to be compromised in most ASD/SPD patients, administering the vitamin sub-Q is desirable by default because it bypasses the GI tract. Having said that, some parents whose children's GI tracts appear uncompromised prefer the oral form because it is less traumatic (and less expensive). In those cases, the generally accepted dosage is 5000mg every 1 to 5 days. If you have a Whole Foods near you, chances are they sell it in their vitamin and supplements section. There's a brand - Bluebonnet (with which I have no affiliation other than as purchaser on behalf of my child) which offers Methyl B12 in a raspberry-flavored chewable tablet in the 5000mg dosage.

Good luck

The other reason people use methylated B12 is after testing for MTHFR gene mutations,a mutation which can impact the body's ability to conduct the methylation process. My daughter tested for having a double mutation on one of hte MTHFR genes and now we're having our whole family tested.

[Anonymous]

I have found this thread very helpful. Does anyone have any thoughts on folinic acid and its usefulness in helping children with SPD and/or ASD?