Magnesium is responsible for the activation and utilization of B vitamins.

They may be necessary in order to:

• Support and increase the rate of metabolism
• Maintain healthy skin and muscle tone
• Enhance immune and nervous system function
• Promote cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia
• Reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of cancer, when consumed in food, but not when ingested in vitamin tablet form.

All B vitamins are water-soluble, and are dispersed throughout the body. Most of the B vitamins must be replenished regularly, since any excess is excreted in the urine

 

 

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Vitamin B6, Magnesium and Autism

Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon

An effective intervention for many autistic children and adults is the use of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and magnesium. For over 30 years, parents have given B6 and magnesium to their children and have observed benefits ranging from mild to dramatic. B6 and magnesium are safe and inexpensive. 

B6 and magnesium have received more scientific support than any other biological intervention for autism. There are 18 studies showing that B6 and magnesium are beneficial to about half of autistic individuals. Eleven of these studies involved a double-blind placebo design. These studies have documented decreases in behavioral problems, improvements in appropriate behavior, and normalization of brain wave activity and urine biochemistry.

There is also evidence that B6 and magnesium may reduce seizure activity. Parent reports also include: improvements in attention, learning, speech/language, and eye contact.

Information about these research studies along with other relevant information can be obtained from the Autism Research Institute (e.g., answers to frequently asked questions, dosage/weight chart). 

It is very important to give magnesium along with B6 because B6 requires extra magnesium to be effective, and thus may cause a deficiency.

Problems associated with magnesium deficiency include: enuresis (bedwetting), irritability/agitation, and sound sensitivity.

Occasionally, an autistic person exhibits one or more of these behaviors when given B6 along with magnesium. In these cases, the person may need more than the recommended amount of magnesium. Magnesium is relatively safe--too high of a dose will cause diarrhea. 

A comprehensive multivitamin/multi-mineral supplement is strongly recommended since vitamins and minerals assist in metabolizing B6 and magnesium. Be careful: many children’s vitamins contain Aspartame (or Nutrasweet) which is used as a sweetener. Parents should try to avoid products with Aspartame because research has shown that Aspartame can cause neurological damage (see Russell L. Blaylock’s 1996 book entitled Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills).