Autism is certainly one of the most controversial issues plaguing the medical world. One of these issues involves the use of supplements being beneficial to children with autism. A number of medical organizations have already released findings stating that supplements can help improve the development of an autistic child because of their inability to produce natural chemicals that can aid in this growth, as well as their incapacity to get the proper nutrients from the food that they eat. One of the nutrients that can supposed help an autistic child is the fatty acid. Unlike other essential substances, fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, so it relies on food for its fatty acid supply. However, due to a number of reasons, an autistic child can properly digest these fatty acids, so they cannot use these nutrients even if the food they take contains this substance. But fatty acids are essential to the body—not just for people with autism, but also for everyone else—so they need to get it elsewhere. But why can’t autistic children absorb fatty acids? And why are fatty acids so important?

The type of fatty acid important in a person’s development is the essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, have several functions, particularly in affecting inflammation, mood, and cellular signaling. A book titled Know Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils and Cholesterol stated the importance of these essential fatty acids in the body, although many contests that these nutrients are only conditionally essential or can be replaced with other nutrients. A criticism on the essentiality of these fatty acids state acids may not be very important for healthy individuals. And, of course, children with autism cannot be qualified as “healthy.”

A number of studies regarding the effects of essential fatty acids on autistic children have been conducted, with promising results. Nordic Naturals conducted a research involving 18 children. These children were given essential fatty acids and were evaluated for 90 days. They were assessed using basic language and learning skills assessment procedures. The results showed that their learning skills and language skills improved during the supplementation of the essential fatty acids.

But why is it beneficial? Essential fatty acids affect the development of inflammations in the body. Even one has a substance amount of ESA in the body, inflammations can be prevented. Remember that the brain of an autistic individual is inflamed. Essential fatty acids also affect a number of aspects in the function of the brain. If you intend to use essential fatty acids, you might be asking yourself if essential fatty acids can be harmful. Fortunately, they aren’t, although you have to get your essential fatty acids from manufacturers who produce these products especially for autism patients.

The cause of autism is still debatable, but the benefits of essential fatty acids are as clear as day. Essential fatty acids, with their functions in the brain and the human development, prove to be just that—essential and beneficial.

Despite the years of research done on the issue, no one knows the exact cause of autism in children. While the symptoms of autism are clear, the causes are not. In fact, most of the proposed causes of autism are considered to be controversial in the medical world. Many have presumed that the cause of autism is genetic, although the results of various results regarding this field are not yet conclusive. Nonetheless, even the experts admit that generic factors do not explain autism risk in children. This has prompted many groups to do their own research on the matter, hence the various claims on the causes of autism. For instance, there are a number of studies linking autism to vaccines, while others claim that autism is caused by a problem in a person’s immune system. Then there are groups who say that autism can be caused by food and medical substances, the ones also responsible for causing birth defects.

The possibility that autism is not caused by genetics is a significant development on the research against autism. Since medical experts are focused on the fact that autism is due to genetics, they have limited their choices of medications and treatments for autistic children. Those who suffer from autism take psychotropic drugs—or medications that affect one’s central nervous system, altering brain functions—and undergo therapy—to correct a number of symptoms due to the disorder. But they do not cure autism; instead, they are more like maintenance procedures. After all, the standing belief today is that autism cannot be cured.

However, DAN doctors think other. DAN doctors, or Defeat Autism Now Doctors, believe that more than a genetic illness, autism is actually a biomedical disorder. In other words, they believe that autism is caused by certain food products and chemicals, as well the combination of external toxins from vaccines and a weak immune system, among others. The Defeat Autism Now project began in 1960s, founded by the Autism Research Institute headed by Dr. Bernard Rimland.

DAN Doctors are professionals who address these concerns using what they call the “DAN Protocol.” This protocol aims to address the biochemical irregularities in one’s body by using vitamin supplements, diets, and digestive enzymes, among others. With the irregularities fixed, they believe that autism can be cured. In fact, many have claimed that they have seen dramatic developments through the use of the Dan Protocol. DAN Doctors will assist patients with the various steps of the protocol, which includes the homeopathic detoxification, as well as prescribe the necessary supplements and diets (most gluten free, among others). This also includes testing for food allergies that can cause complications in autistic children, treatment for yeast overgrowth, and chelation.

Many people are hesitant with the use of these unorthodox methods when it comes to treating autism. Yet, while they claim these treatments are not proven, even the treatments of the so-called mainstream doctors are not necessarily proven as well. DAN Doctors could have the answer many people have been researching for.

Many of the treatments used to manage and supposedly treat autism are usually labeled as part of alternative medications. As the name suggest, alternative medicines are not part of the mainstream drugs largely sold in pharmacies. A number of the medications suggested by sectors and organizations such as the Autism Research Institute mostly prescribe alternative medications to autism patients, mainly because their treatments are not acknowledged by mainstream doctors. Of course, this does not mean that these alternative medications are not effective. After all, alternative medication has been used for hundreds of years already. The fact that it is not recognized should be hinder a person from taking alternative medications, especially if these alternative medications have a number of researches and studies backing it up.

One of the alternative medications currently used to fight autism is the coQ10, also known as the Coenzyme Q10. It is a oil-soluble vitamin-like substance that has the ability to act as an antioxidant in the body, hence its use as a dietary supplement. The Mayo Clinic says that the Coenzyme Q10 is recommended for a number of conditions, it is also still under research in some areas. For instance, it is an acknowledged medication for mitochondrial disorders and for its benefits for people with congestive heart failure. Most recently, it has also been attached to the treatment of brain disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s due to its beneficial effects on the human brain. It has been observed that people suffering from Parkinson’s disease have low levels of this enzyme. The same was observed among autism patient; this wasn’t surprising at all since autistic children also have low levels of antioxidants to begin.

How can the coenzyme Q10 work for autistic patients?

Since it works as an antioxidant, the CoQ10 protects the brain from free radicals. This is the main purpose of antioxidants, and this is how many say the autism symptoms can be prevented. To understand this further, it is important to note how free radicals come to exist in the body. Free radicals are created through the oxidation process in the body. During oxidation, these toxins—also called free radicals—are created, damaging certain parts of the body such as the brain, among others. Antioxidants such as the Coenzyme Q10 delays or prevents the oxidation in the body, hence preventing the creation of free radicals. When these free radicals are left inside the body, they can further damage the brain of an autistic child. Whether this is the cause of autism or merely an effect is still being discussed. Nonetheless, what is known is that these free radicals can harm children with autism; and they need CoQ10 supplements since, as mentioned earlier, they have very low levels of this enzyme.

Of course, interested parties should always note that the Coenzyme Q10 is an alternative medicine. With this, it means its effects are not yet fully tested. To be sure, no negative effects can be caused by the use of this medication. But just the same, the use of Coenzyme Q10 is furthering the progress of autism treatments.