Are there any supplements you actually find helpful?

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agwood
Snowy Owl
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Joined: 17 Nov 2014
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Location: Moldova

18 Nov 2014, 8:07 am

This is a topic I have kinda stumbled into, given that ADHD and Aspergers can overlap to some extent. But it's something I really want to get pressing on.

There has been a lot of talk about adjusting the diet, and using digestive enzymes & probiotics with autism-related disorders. Fine.
Putting that aside, I would like to ask if you guys have had any success with supplements affecting the brain directly.

From my research, there seems to be promise for:
Glycine
Inositol
Methylfolate
N-Acetylcysteine

(Note: some of these might cause problems in certain people, eg. some people who don't respond well to N-Acetylcysteine may have a problem with sulphur).

Word-of-mouth of relatives of Aspergers have noted the following supplements also:
D-Ribose
Carnosine
Carnitine

Personally, I think there may also be promise in a few particular herbs:
Panax Ginseng - may affect the emotional side (this is my favourite one. Seems to affect the brain in a way that no other chemical does)
Ginkgo Biloba - may effect the cognitive side (not sure if it's usefulness is limited to ADHD however)
Nigella Sativa - seems to increase calming neurotransmitters whilst reducing exciting ones.


A lot of these I got interested in for treating ADHD. My wonder is if their usefulness extends to Aspergers.
If you guys have any input, feel free to express them.



Persimmonpudding
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18 Nov 2014, 10:13 am

Fish oil: I tend to be less irritable.

Melatonin: reduces my propensity for having seizures at night.

Both of them recommended unsolicited by my psychiatrist, who also has me on a prescription medication.



eggheadjr
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Location: Ottawa, Canada

18 Nov 2014, 12:24 pm

Magnesium - 200 mg per day (plus or minus) taken in the evening.

Known to be almost effective as Zoloft in the management of general anxiety disorder for quite a few people - without the crappy side effects of Zoloft. Helps with mild depression and mild insomnia as well. Promotes proper nerve system function.

I take it and it works for me for managing anxiety - of course your mileage may vary. And with any new supplements, check with your doc first.


_________________
Diagnosed Asperger's