Vitamin A & Urecholine for Autism

Megson’s Research on Supplements for Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Jun 9, 2008
Jennifer Copley

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Studies undertaken by Dr. Mary Megson suggest that supplements of vitamin A and urecholine may provide benefits for some autistic children.

Doctor Megson (1999) has put forward the theory that autism may result from “disruption of the G-alpha protein,” which affects the brain’s retinoid receptors. Retinoid receptors are critical for sensory perception, attention and language processing, all areas that are often deficient in those with autistic spectrum disorders. Autistic individuals are also more inclined to have relatives who suffer from night blindness (poor night vision) and other retinoid-based disorders.

Nutritional Basis for the Theory

There has been a dramatic increase in the autism rate in recent years combined with a decrease in the consumption of foods rich in natural cis forms vitamin A such as kidney, milk fat, liver, salmon and codfish. There are essentially two forms of vitamin A, which have molecular shapes that are cis-trans isomers of each other. The synthesis of rhodopsin, which promotes healthy eye functioning, requires a particular cis isomer of vitamin A. The commercial version of vitamin A - vitamin A palmitate - contains only the trans form, which is not as effective.

Most children now consume more of the trans form than the cis form of vitamin A. Vitamin A palmitate, derived from palm oil, can be found in many baby formulas and low-fat milk. Beta-carotene, found in dark orange and yellow vegetables and fruits such as carrots, cantaloupes and sweet potatoes, as well as dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, can be converted to vitamin A by the body. However, although they offer many important health benefits, fruit and vegetable sources provide the trans form rather than the more potent cis form of vitamin A. Additionally, absorption of this form of vitamin A can be compromised by damage in mucosal gut surfaces as a result of a wheat allergy or intolerance that is often undiagnosed, as well as a number of other health conditions. Overall, the cis form is far more effective.

Case Study Findings

Providing natural cis vitamin A supplements in the form of cod liver oil along with the alpha muscarinic receptor agonist urecholine has generated dramatic, immediate benefits for some autistic children, including enhanced social interaction, improved attention and language usage, better vision and improved sleep.

Vitamin A supplements may be beneficial for children who engage in “sideways glancing,” as this may indicate improper function of the rods in the eye, a symptom of defective G-alpha protein. Case studies have indicated improved eye contact with supplementation.

Parent Ratings

The Autism Research Institute's 1,127 parent ratings of the use of vitamin A to treat autistic symptoms indicated improvement in 41% of cases, no change in 57%, and a worsening of symptoms in 2%. Of 111 parent ratings of vitamin A's effects on children with Asperger's syndrome, nearly one-third (32%) saw improvements, while 62% reported that the supplement had no effect, and 6% said that their children grew worse. Ratings of cod liver oil supplements were higher, with 1,681 parent ratings indicating improvements in 51% of cases, no change in 45%, and worsening of symptoms in 4%. For Asperger's, 53% cited improvement with cod liver oil, 42% saw no change, and 5% said that their children grew worse.

Research into vitamin A supplementation for autistic spectrum disorders is relatively new and further studies are required to determine whether or not this supplement actually provides benefits.

Safety

Vitamin A can be toxic when too much is taken. Overdose can cause blurred vision, headache, nausea, orange skin, growth retardation, loss of hair, enlarged liver and spleen, and even death.

Those interested in vitamin A supplements should consult a physician to establish a safe dose.

Also, in recent years, evidence that vitamin D deficiency may play a key role in autism has been mounting, and vitamin A supplements can block the action of vitamin D. For this reason, Dr. Cannell (10 August 2010) recommends getting vitamin A from natural sources (colourful vegetables) rather than using supplements.

Consult a Physician

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you are interested in using vitamin and mineral supplements to treat autism or other conditions, you should consult a qualified medical professional.