Covid-19 Immune System Support for ASD and ADHD

Getting kids to eat a healthy diet can be challenging in the best of times, and now that we’re facing the coronavirus pandemic, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is more important than ever. Our immune systems depend on micro- and macronutrients that we get from our diets to protect us from infection and to speed recovery from illness.

Both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been associated with dietary deficits that affect immunity, and correcting these deficits improves symptoms.^1,2 Several of the deficient vitamins that are observed in both disorders are important for a strong immune system, including vitamin D, zinc, and selenium, among others.³ 

Inflammation and immune dysregulation are known contributors to ASD, and more recent evidence links them to ADHD as well.^4,5 Since diet affects immunity, making sure that kids with ASD and ADHD are getting all of the nutrients they need is critical to protecting them from illnesses, including viral infections, like Covid-19. 

One of the most effective ways to minimize risks for illness is by giving the immune system all the tools it needs to do its job. Several vitamins and minerals are “enzyme cofactors” that are required in order for your immune system to do its job; asking your immune system to function without cofactors is like asking a carpenter to work without a hammer.⁶

Many of the nutrients that are deficient in ASD and ADHD are enzyme cofactors. For example, deficiencies in the enzyme cofactor and antioxidant selenium have been linked to increased risk for viral infections and poorer outcomes in people who get them.^7,8 Many other micro- and macronutrients are equally as important. 

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which hijacks cells and turns them into virus-making factories. As the virus spreads throughout the body, more cells are infected, and the illness becomes more severe.⁹ A robust immune system can respond rapidly and aggressively to hijacked cells to prevent them from releasing more virus into the body, but if certain nutrients are missing, the immune system will grind to a halt.

In order to be at their healthiest, it’s important to make sure that children with ASD and ADHD are getting a complete diet. Unfortunately, getting them to eat right can be a challenge. Kids with ASD and ADHD can be very picky eaters, leaving parents wondering whether their children are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. 

No supplements cure COVID-19, but by improving immune system function, they can minimize illness severity and speed recovery. This is especially important for kids with ASD or ADHD, since both of these disorders are linked to dietary-related immune system dysfunction. Protect your child’s health and wellbeing by making sure they get a high-quality dietary supplement.

Finding these high-quality nutritional supplements can be challenging. This is why I formulated My Spectrum Heroes™. Providing only the very best nutrients, in therapeutic and safe doses, all backed by research is my passion. Our Immune Support PLUS Bundle  ensures that your child is getting the boost they need to get through cold and flu season smoothly!

My Spectrum Heroes™ delivers precise quantities of immunity-boosting and symptom-relieving nutrients in an easy-to-use, dissolvable powder, giving parents peace of mind and confidence that their kids are getting the best nutrition. 

References

1. Li, Y. J., Ou, J. J., Li, Y. M., & Xiang, D. X. (2017). Dietary Supplement for Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Where Are We Now and Where Should We Go?. Frontiers in psychiatry, 8, 155. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00155
2. Millichap JG & Yee MM. (2012). The diet factor in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics, 129(2):330-7. doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-2199.
3. Childs, C. E., Calder, P. C., & Miles, E. A. (2019). Diet and Immune Function. Nutrients, 11(8), 1933. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11081933
4. Siniscalco, D., Schultz, S., Brigida, A. L., & Antonucci, N. (2018). Inflammation and Neuro-Immune Dysregulations in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 11(2), 56. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph11020056
5. Hoekstra, P.J. (2019). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: is there a connection with the immune system?. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 28, 601–602 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-019-01344-2 
6. Woodham, A. W., Skeate, J. G., Sanna, A. M., Taylor, J. R., Da Silva, D. M., Cannon, P. M., & Kast, W. M. (2016). Human Immunodeficiency Virus Immune Cell Receptors, Coreceptors, and Cofactors: Implications for Prevention and Treatment. AIDS patient care and STDs, 30(7), 291–306. https://doi.org/10.1089/apc.2016.0100
7. Tinggi U. (2008). Selenium: its role as antioxidant in human health. Environmental health and preventive medicine, 13(2), 102–108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-007-0019-4
8. Beck MA, Levander OA, Handy J. (2003). Selenium deficiency and viral infection. J Nutr. 2003 May;133(5 Suppl 1):1463S-7S. doi: 10.1093/jn/133.5.1463S.
9. Corum, J., & Zimmer, C. (2020, March 11). How Coronavirus Hijacks Your Cells. Retrieved March 24, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/11/science/how-coronavirus-hijacks-your-cells.html