Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Autism
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Type(s) : Diets and supplements
Introduction
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin.
Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Good sources include peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, oranges and kiwi fruit.
Some people believe that individuals with autism don’t have enough vitamin C in their bodies, or that their bodies are poor at making use of the vitamin C available to them.
These people believe that these nutritional deficiencies may be the cause of some of the problems faced by people with autism
They also believe that some of these problems can be overcome by taking supplements of vitamin C – often alongside other vitamins and minerals.
Opinion
There is no consistent and robust research evidence to suggest that vitamin C benefits individuals with autism.
However there are many anecdotal reports of the benefits of vitamin C from a wide variety of sources.
Because of this, further research into the use of vitamin C may be justified provided that it is carried out in a scientifically robust manner.
Further information
Please see the Advanced version of this page for more information about this intervention including details of research studies and how we ranked them.
Disclaimer
Please read our Disclaimer about this intervention.
Last Updated : 27/03/2013 Back to Top
