Vitamin Supplements for Learning-Disabled Children

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Vitamin Supplements for Learning-Disabled Children

An absolute vitamin deficiency is not necessary to justify nutritional supplementation. For example, pyridoxine can often control refractory seizures in infants. Evidence also suggests that nutrients may raise academic performance in learning-disabled children, a hypothesis further investigated in the current study.

Twenty learning-disabled children (14 boys and 6 girls between 7-14 years of age) participated in a one-year open trial of nutrient administration. Children who demonstrated academic improvement (higher grades and/or being mainstreamed in at least one academic subject) after six months or more were eligible to enter a second portion of the trial.
Thirteen children qualified for the second portion of the trial (seven dropouts, unassociated with academic performance) and were administered supplements on an individual basis on the following schedule: administration of "group 1" nutrients (magnesium, pyridoxine and ascorbic acid), with dosages lowered or discontinued if side effects developed, followed by administration of "group 2" nutrients (folic acid, thiamine, manganese and zinc). Supplements were administered semiblinded for the first year, double-blinded for the second year, and open-label in ensuing years. Academic improvements were tracked at various points during the trial, up to four years from baseline.

Results: All 19 children who completed the first year of treatment (one dropout due to nausea) showed significant academic and behavioral improvements within a few weeks or months of open-label treatment with nutrient supplements. Some children gained 3-5 years of reading comprehension within the first year of treatment; all children in special education classes became mainstreamed; and their grades rose significantly. Children who remained on nutrients after the first year continued to make academic strides, whereas children who discontinued supplementation after one year showed declines (academic declines after one year without supplementation, lower grades after two years).
Carlton RM, Ente G, Blum L, et al. Rational dosages of nutrients have a prolonged effect on learning disabilities. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, May 2000:6(3), pp85-91.
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