functional medicine and nutritional genomics - American Association ...

AAPI’S NUTRITION GUIDE TO OPTIMAL HEALTH: USING PRINCIPLES OF FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND NUTRITIONAL GENOMICS
indicates that up to 10 percent of the AI for ALA
can be in the form of DHA and EPA combined.
For example, a child’s daily need for DHA and
EPA are 70mg for a 1 – 3 year old, 90mg for
a 4 – 8 year old, and 120mg for a 9 – 13
year old child (26).
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
recommends we consume even higher levels of
DHA and EPA. According to the NIH, 30 percent
of our daily calories should be DHA and EPA
combined. The chart below lists the amount a
child should consume according to these standards
(44).
ADEQUATE INTAKE OF DHA AND EPA
(Based on 30 Percent of Calories)
Age DHA and EPA combined (mg/day)
1 – 3 years 390
4 – 6 years 540
7 years and older 650
Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Since deficiencies of DHA and EPA are linked to
autism, dyslexia, attention deficient hyperactivity
disorder, dyspraxia, depression, and anxiety, it is
suggested that the NIH’s recommendations be
used to determine a child’s DHA and EPA needs.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements for Children
with Autism - Children with autism and other
developmental disorders often have feeding
problems, eat a limited variety of foods, and
refuse fish, so it may not be possible to get
adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids into the
diet of a child with autism. In this case, the
child will need to take an omega-3 fatty acid
supplement. A Registered Dietitian can assist
parents on selecting a high quality child-friendly
fish oil supplement.
Examples of fish oil supplements are listed below:
Fish Oil Supplement Amount DHA and EPA
Cod liver oil (liquid) 1 teaspoon 1,035 mg
Coromega― (original) 1 packet 580 mg
DHA Junior
(Nordic Naturals) 1 soft gel 52 mg
Omega-3 Gummies 1 gummy 68 mg
121
(Nordic Naturals)
Vitamin and Minerals also known as micronutrients
are needed for normal growth, function, and
health. Our bodies do not make most
micronutrients, so we have to get them from the
food we eat or in some cases, from dietary
supplements. Vitamins and minerals are critical for
brain development and function; regulating cell and
tissue growth, processing and eliminating toxins
from the body; maintaining a healthy
gastrointestinal tract; supporting immune system
function; converting protein, carbohydrate, and fat
into energy; providing structure to bones; formation
of blood; and numerous other body functions.
Some vitamins also function as hormones,
antioxidants, coenzymes, and precursors for
enzymes. Each vitamin and mineral is unique and
has its own specific role in the body (45). The
most important vitamins and minerals for brain
function include:
� Calcium is required for the transmission of
nerve impulses in the brain and aids in
the release of neurotransmitters from
neurons.
� Iron transports oxygen to the brain and is
also needed to produce the
neurotransmitter dopamine. A deficiency of
iron can cause fatigue, impaired mental
function, poor work and school
performance, and decreased attention span,
learning, and memory.
� Vitamin B1 (thiamin) aids normal
functioning of the nervous system and a
deficiency can result in mental confusion
and complications involving the brain.
� Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is required by the
body for the production of energy, to form
glutathione, and to convert vitamin B6 to
pyridoxal 5-phosphate.
� Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) helps the body
break down protein, and helps maintain
the health of red blood cells, the nervous
system, and parts of the immune system.
Vitamin B6 is also involved in the
production of the neurotransmitters
serotonin and dopamine. A deficiency of
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