 | Nutritional supplementation forms an important part of the biomedical approach to the treatment of autism, which treats autism as a biomedical problem rather than a psychological one. Following this biomedical approach, children with autism – as well as other development and behavioral disorders, such as ADHD – are tested for nutritional deficiencies. In almost all cases, biological tests on children with autism uncover multiple nutrient deficiencies. Thus, families end up having to give many supplements to their autistic children, some of which are not very pleasant tasting. To address this issue, formula ONE was specially developed as a nutritional supplement for autism as well as for children with other health issues related to multiple nutritional deficiency. Some families purchase chewable multi-vitamins and minerals as a nutritional supplement for autism. These usually contain very low doses of nutrients and are insufficient to deal with body conditions that are severely stressed by heavy metals and other toxins. Also, in the attempt to make the nutritional supplements taste good to young children, coloring, flavoring and sweeteners are very often added. Some of these are potentially harmful. For example, the sweetener aspartame is a known excitotoxin – it excites cells to the point of destruction. Another ‘natural’ sweetener, sucralose, is derived from chlorine. One sweetener that is truly natural is stevia. But it leaves an unpleasant after taste and many children have been known to reject this. |
formula ONE is designed by autism professionals to deliver not just vitamin and minerals but also some amino acids to help detoxification and to calm down a child. As an autism supplement, it contains most of the nutrients that needed by children with autism. Thus, these children may only need to take another two or three nutritional supplements – such as probiotics and Omega 3 – rather than a dozen or more different types of pills and powders.
Where possible, the most bioavailable from of a nutrient is chosen for maximum absorption. This is crucial in a nutritional supplement for autism as most children with autism also have weak digestive systems and thus, difficulty in absorbing nutrients. For example, instead of using standard folic acid, folinic acid is used. Also formula ONE includes both forms of Vitamin B6, pyridoxine HCL and P5P.
Another important consideration in designing a nutritional supplement for autism is the absence of common food allergens, as many autistic children suffer from food sensitivity, intolerance and allergy. formula ONE does not contain gluten, casein or any artificial colors, flavours or preservatives.
