I will be interviewing the president of Kirkman Labs (one of the premiere makers of supplements for people with autism) and doing some additional research into specific supplements of special interest (fish oil, magnesium, vitamin B6).
Please share: Do you have any questions you'd like me to pass along? What are the supplements you use most often - or are most curious about? Thanks!
What is his opinion on Melatonin for children with autism to sleep better?
Why does SuperNuthera taste like superglue? (yuck yuck)
What suppliment helps the vast majority and why he thinks this is so?
Thanks for asking!
Can he give a brief explanation of digestive enzymes vs probiotics? I confuse the two!
What are the benefits of fish oils/capsules for children with autism; how much should be given to a 13 year old; what effects, if any, do they have during use with drugs, particularly Risperdal, Abilify, and amphetamine based products for autism spectrum and ADHD? I greatly appreciate this information. Kathy
Is using Kirkman’s Children’s Chewable Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Wafers and B-6/Magnesium Wafers a suitable substitute for using SuperNuThera? How much is too much B6 for a 75pound 7 year old? Can it be harmful?
Is there any chance of getting the Magnesium Glycinate “sweet powder” in a chewable wafer?
What is his opinion on using B12 nasal spray vs. B12 injections?
Is Threelac a probiotic? Or is it supposed to be used instead of a probiotic or at the same time?
What does he think of the claim of Houston Nutraceuticals that their digestive enzymes can be used as an alternative to the gluten-free/casein-free diet? Does Kirkman make the same claim about their digestive enzymes?
Does B6/magnesium control hyperactivity?
I’d also like to learn more about melatonin for sleep disorders and safe dosage for a toddler. Additionally, are there any liquid suppliments that are suggested – my son will not do chewable.
I would like to find out what vitamin/mineral supplements are best for autism symptoms (more detailed information on how these supplements help). They have so many choices. I often get confused.
Instead of fish oil I would prefer to give my child flaxseed oil which also contains omega-3 fatty acids- but they are different ones. Has there been any studies on flaxseed oil? Does it confer any benefits.
The problem with fish oil is that kids HATE the taste of it and refuse to take it- strawberry does not cover the fishiness. Is there any fish oil tht doesn’t have that taste so a kid can take it in their food without knowing that it is there?
Regarding melatonin- It does work at least for my daughter because the problem is getting her to sleep. I don’t know that it does anything for kids who wake up at night. I get a liquid form so I can determine the dose and put it in milk or juice at dinner- it’s available from Natrol and sold in RiteAid. All it does is get her in the mood to sleep, and we don’t use it on the weekends.
How about chewable forms of magnesium and B6 vitamins- my daughter won’t take pills.
Melatonin PUT my boy to sleep but never he never STAYED asleep when on it. I know there is a slo-release formula, but can they make one you don’t have to swallow whole? He’s 4 – doesn’t swallow pills yet and I NEED SLEEP!!
Thanks.
What other forms of vitamins are available for autistic children who wont eat any form of childrens vitamins (flintstons, gummies etc…) I heard there might be a waffer or something we could try. He wont drink anything but wter and is allergic to cows milk and can tell if I try to mix stuff. Thanks, Michaela
Several years ago my son participated in a controlled study on fish oil. After 3 months we saw no difference in him and I thought he was on the placebo but he was actually getting the real thing: “pure fish oil from the Norwegian sea”! What exactly are supposed to be the benefits of that supplement and I’m interested in the studies that support its use?
I tried SuperNuThera for my 7 year old boy with Autism. He didn’t like it. He also has a difficult time swallowing pills. I’ve conducted a lot of on-line research regarding the benefits of B6 and Magnesium and believe they are key in helping the nurological functions of the brain. However, I feel like something is being left out regarding the supplements. Additionally, I’m interested in finding something to help him maintain focus. What do you recommend and can/does Kirkman Labs make any chewables?
Our nutritionist wants us to start many supplements at the same time. I am a little leery of this. I feel that I won’t know what is working and what is not. What would you recommend as a schedule to start supplements. I was thinking of giving each supplement at least 3 weeks before starting another.
My 19/m old autistic son just started using Kirkman products. My question is the dosing. It doesn’t specify on any of the products..B-complex with co-enzymes, EFA powder and Acidophilus what dose for different weights and ages. My son weighs 24 lbs which is much smaller than a 6 year old per say. Also the enzymes dont state how many times it can safely be given per day. Any chance future products could come with more specific dose/directions? Also will you be coming out with a B-complex that is not quite so high in strength? Giving parents a choice to give more dosage if wanted depending on need?
my kids love Barleans Omega Swirl Lemon Flavor which is high in Omega 3 fatty Acids (and EPA and DHA)
I was told to never give melatonin to a child because it is a hormone and it can mess with their horomone levels throwing them into all kinds of hormonal issues.