Medical Researches
Questionable
Based on 7 Researches
Vitamin B12 levels and ASD riskInferring the genetic effects of serum homocysteine and vitamin B levels on autism spectral disorder through Mendelian randomization.
Significant but complex findings
We explored the possible connection between serum vitamin B12 levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a genetic study design known as Mendelian randomization. This approach allowed us to sift through various genetic markers linked to these factors to see if there was a tangible link between vitamin B12 and the risk of developing ASD.
Our analysis included a significant number of genetic variants and aimed to determine if higher vitamin B12 levels could be causally connected to an increased risk of autism. We found evidence suggesting that elevated serum vitamin B12 levels might be associated with a greater risk of ASD, with our primary analysis indicating an odds ratio of 1.68, suggesting a nearly 70% increase in risk.
However, it's important to note that while our main findings pointed towards a potential link, other analytical methods didn't consistently support this association. For instance, when using different approaches, like the weighted median method, the results were not significant. Additionally, we didn’t find any direct causal relationships between ASD and levels of vitamin B6, folate, or homocysteine.
Given these mixed results, we feel that while there is an intriguing association between high vitamin B12 levels and ASD risk, further research is necessary to validate these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms before establishing treatment implications.
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Vitamin B12's impact on autismCorrelation between Vitamin B12 and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Specific autism association noted
We delved into the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and autism in children and adolescents by analyzing a comprehensive review of studies on this topic. The review encapsulated 56 studies, including nearly 38,000 participants, and found that those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) had significantly lower vitamin B12 levels compared to the control group. Specifically, the findings revealed a striking difference, with the standardized mean difference indicating a notable deficiency in individuals with ASD.
Moreover, our exploration also pointed to lower vitamin B12 intake in children with autism as compared to those without similar diagnoses. While this suggests a potential link, we noted that no significant differences in vitamin B12 intake were found when comparing children with depression to the control group. However, the study did highlight an encouraging finding: higher vitamin B12 intake appeared to correlate with a reduced risk of depression and behavioral problems.
Overall, the gathered evidence suggests that there may be beneficial effects of ensuring sufficient vitamin B12 levels in children and adolescents, particularly regarding autism and general mental health. This could mean that vitamin B12 deficiency might be a reversible factor involved in some mental health conditions among young individuals.
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We examined the potential of a syrup form of methylcobalamin, a type of vitamin B12, in improving the lives of individuals with autism. Over a period of 200 days, 25 children and young adults received a daily dose of 500 µg of this treatment. Throughout this time, both parents and psychologists regularly evaluated the clinical and psychological progress of the participants.
The findings were promising. Participants showed noticeable improvements, particularly in social skills, cognitive function, as well as behavioral and communication aspects. We found a strong correlation between these enhancements and changes in levels of reduced glutathione, a substance that helps protect cells from damage and supports overall health.
It's intriguing to see how a relatively simple vitamin supplement can have such a positive impact on the lives of autistic individuals. The treatment appeared to not only raise the oxidative status of the participants but also support their emotional and psychological well-being.
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We examined how vitamin B12, a common nutritional supplement, may impact symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our analysis is based on a national survey that included responses from 1,286 participants across the United States. Participants shared their experiences regarding the perceived benefits and side effects of various nutraceuticals, with vitamin B12 emerging as one of the top-rated treatments.
Interestingly, the survey revealed that nutraceuticals, including vitamin B12, were viewed as more beneficial and had fewer adverse effects compared to traditional psychiatric and seizure medications. Specifically, the overall benefit rating for nutraceuticals was 1.59, compared to 1.39 for medications, while adverse effects for nutraceuticals were rated at 0.1 versus 0.9 for medications.
These findings suggest that vitamin B12, among other nutraceuticals, may offer clinical benefits for those with ASD, particularly in addressing core symptoms and associated comorbidities. However, it's essential to approach these results with an open mind and consider the diverse experiences shared by participants in the survey.
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Maternal B12 and autism riskMaternal Serum Vitamin B12 during Pregnancy and Offspring Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Relevant, but not treatment-focused
We investigated the connection between maternal serum vitamin B12 levels during early pregnancy and the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. In this study, we looked at data from a Finnish national birth cohort, which included 1,558 children diagnosed with ASD between 1987 and 2007. Each of these cases was carefully matched with a control child based on their date of birth, sex, and place of birth.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of maternal vitamin B12, specifically those at or above the 81st percentile, were linked to an increased risk of childhood autism. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.59, indicating a significant association. However, it’s critical to note that there were no significant findings regarding the relationships between maternal vitamin B12 levels and other ASD subtypes, like Asperger's or pervasive developmental disorder (NOS).
This study underscores a potential risk factor associated with higher maternal vitamin B12 levels, yet it does not suggest that vitamin B12 treatment can effectively address autism. In fact, the findings highlight the complexity of autism development and emphasize the need for further research to understand these relationships better.
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