Is B6 good for autistic children and if so how much should I give my child

[cheshiresniper]

I have found on a UK web site on Autism that the Vitamin B6 helps with the symptons and behavioral patterns in Autistic children.  I have been giving mys son, who is 6, B6 for a year now.  I am afraid to over dose him so how much should I give him if I increase the amount? How much is to much and how can I find a chart for B vitamins and doses?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It is true that a number of studies, some apparently well conducted, have demonstrated that Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) was beneficial to persons who displayed autism. Some of the improvements noted included increased speech, more eye contact, more interest in the surroundings, less self-stimulating behavior and fewer 'tantrums'. The doses of Vitamin B6 in the studies varied, with some involving 300-500 mg/day and some even 1 gram/day. But this approach should not be done casually. Some children do not require additional Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B6 in large doses can result in other deficiencies. Some of the studies involved both Vitaminm B6 and magnesium. My advice is to consult with your son's doctors before embarking on any approach to add vitamin supplements. Simply because some medicines, vitamins, preparations, etc. are avaialble over the counter does not mean that they are safe to use in any person. So be cautious.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, it makes sense in this way: your son may be responding bysome increased eye contact and increase in connection to/interest in the surroundings. My caution is around taking care whenever giving supplements of any sort. It's best done under medical supervision so that you're sure you aren't unwittlingly causing other problems. As a general rule of thumb, many nutritional experts advise a daily dose of 50 mg Vitamin B6, though that amount is the recommended adult dose and even it can vary with age, body weight. So the limited dose you are giving to your son likely would not cause trouble, but be sure to run this by your son's doctor(s) so that you are working in close alliance with them.

[cheshiresniper]

I have been giving him 1/4 of a 50mg tablet.  I can see the difference when he is not taking it as to when he isn't.  He is spacey with no eye contact and doesn't have that "I am here with you" about him.  Does that make any sense?