Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Autism
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Vitamin B6 | 30 mg daily per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight;doctor's supervision recommended |  [3 stars] Research shows that vitamin B6 can be helpful for autistic children. |
Glucosamine | 250 mg with morning and evening meals |  [2 stars] Some autistic children suffer from chronic diarrhea. In one study, supplementing with glucosamine eliminated the diarrhea in five of six children with autism, possibly by blocking the effect of certain dietary components on the intestinal tract. |
L-Carnitine | 50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day (half in the morning, half in the evening) | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, supplementing with L-carnitine resulted in a modest improvement in disease severity in children with autism spectrum disorders.
|
N-Acetyl Cysteine | Use with a doctor’s supervision | [2 stars] A double-blind study found that supplementing with NAC for 12 weeks improved symptoms of irritability in children with autism.
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Vitamin C | 1 gram per 20 lbs (9 kg) body weight per day | [2 stars] In one trial, autistic children given vitamin C had less severe symptoms than those taking placebo, possibly because vitamin C affects a hormone pathway typically disturbed in children with autism. |
Vitamin D | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In a preliminary study and a follow-up double-blind study of autistic children, daily supplementation with vitamin D was associated with improvements in various symptoms of autism. |
Magnesium | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Some researchers have added magnesium to vitamin B6, reporting that taking both nutrients may have better effects than B6 alone. Doctors will often try this combination for at least three months to see whether these nutrients help autistic children. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.