"Oral vitamin D supplementation may safely improve signs and symptoms of ASD and could be recommended for children with ASD."
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, December 31, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Scientists have been desperately searching for a medicine that will improve the core symptoms of autism. A recent randomized controlled trial, the highest standard of proof in medicine, suggests they may have found it.
Professor Khalid Saad and his colleagues, of the University of Egypt, aimed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation elicits a treatment effect on the core symptoms of autism.
A total of 85 boys and 24 girls were included in the study.
Group one received a placebo, and group two received 300 IU/KG/day vitamin D3 (with a maximum of 5,000 IU/day) for four months. The researchers used four different rating scales to measure the severity of the autism, before and after treatment.
The results were dramatic. Half the treated children lost the diagnosis of autism (CARS_30). Twenty five percent of the children made significant improvements in symptoms but remained autistic. Treatment showed no effect in 25% of the children. No significant side effects were noted in the treatment group.
The researchers concluded,
"This study is the first double-blinded RCT proving the efficacy of vitamin D3 in ASD patients...Oral vitamin D supplementation may safely improve signs and symptoms of ASD and could be recommended for children with ASD."
John Cannell MD
Vitamin D Council
San Luis Obispo, CA
805 439-1075
Contacts:
Professor Khalid Saad: [email protected]
John Cannell MD, [email protected]
The Vitamin D Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in California, United States. We're here to educate patients, families, doctors and health professionals on vitamin D and safe, sensible sun exposure to improve the quality and longevity of lives.
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