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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Combined vitamin B6-magnesium treatment in autism spectrum disorder
1UCF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, 12001 Science Dr, Suite 145, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA. cnye@mail.ucf.edu
Insights
This review found insufficient evidence to recommend vitamin B6 and magnesium (B6-Mg) for treating autism symptoms. More high-quality studies are needed to assess the efficacy of B6-Mg in individuals with autism.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Mega-vitamin interventions, including Pyridoxine (vitamin B6), have been explored for various conditions since the 1950s.
- Early observations suggested potential speech and language improvements in children with autism treated with high-dose vitamin B6.
- Research has investigated vitamin B6 with magnesium (B6-Mg) for autism-related social, communication, and behavioral characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the efficacy of vitamin B6 and magnesium (B6-Mg) supplementation.
- To evaluate the impact of B6-Mg on social, communication, and behavioral responses in individuals with autism.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, DAI) and search engines up to January 2002.
- Included studies required random allocation of participants to intervention and placebo/non-treated groups.
- Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, with data collection and analysis performed on included trials.
Main Results:
- Only two trials met the inclusion criteria, both employing a double-blind crossover design.
- One study (Tolbert 1993) lacked sufficient data for analysis.
- The other study (Findling, 1997) found no significant differences in social interaction, communication, or behavioral measures between the B6-Mg treatment and placebo groups.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence base is limited by a small number of studies.
- Methodological quality and small sample sizes restrict the ability to draw firm conclusions.
- No recommendation can be made regarding the use of B6-Mg for treating autism due to insufficient evidence.
Background:
The use of mega-vitamin intervention began in the early 1950's with the treatment of schizophrenic patients. Pyroxidine (vitamin B6) was first used with children diagnosed with "autism syndrome" when speech and language improvement was observed in some children as a result of large doses of B6. A number of published studies attempted to assess the effects of vitamin B6-Mg (Mg was found to reduce undesirable side effects from B6) on a variety of characteristics such as verbal communication, non-verbal communication, interpersonal skills, and physiological function, in individuals with autism.
Objectives:
To determine the efficacy of vitamin B6 and magnesium (B6-Mg) for treating social, communication and behavioural responses of children and adults with autism.
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2002), MEDLINE (1966- January 2002), EMBASE (1980-January 2002), PsychINFO (1887 - January 2002), Dissertation Abstracts International (1861 - January 2002). The search engine FirstSearch was also used (January 2002). Reference lists for all the obtained studies and other review articles were examined for additional studies.
Selection Criteria:
All studies in which the participants were randomly allocated prior to intervention and in which outcomes were compared to either a placebo or non-treated group were included.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Two reviewers independently evaluated all potential studies identified as indicated above for inclusion.
Main Results:
Two trials were included in the review. Both studies used a double-blind crossover design. One study (Tolbert 1993) provided insufficient data to conduct an analysis. The senior author was contacted for supporting data but was unable to provide the needed information. The remaining study (Findling, 1997) yielded no significant differences between treatment and placebo group performances following the B6 intervention on measures of social interaction, communication, compulsivity, impulsivity, or hyperactivity.
Reviewer'S Conclusions:
Due to the small number of studies, the methodological quality of studies, and small sample sizes, no recommendation can be advanced regarding the use of B6-Mg as a treatment for autism.
