Methyl-B12
July 31, 2008
Doc suggested we start Methyl B-12 injections. I was a little anxious about injecting anything in Sweet Girl, having needles like that in the house and, well what is Methyl B-12?
So…an article was referred to us as a reference. I love it when doctors give you material to read instead of trying to convince you or prescribe you something without really explaining it…so, high five to those doctors that understand crazy visits and the parents need to process info at a later date with great reading material. Thank you!
If article reading is not your thing and you have found yourself wondering about Methyl B-12 then hop aboard the magic school bus with me.
Studies have shown that those expressing ASD symptoms often have transmethylation defects. “Since every cell in the body expresses the folate/methionine cycle, defects in transmethylation can affect vital biochemical reactions at many places in intermediary metabolism.” (McCandless).
“Intermediary metabolism is the enzyme catalyzed processes within the cells that extract energy from nutrient molecules and use that energy to construct cellular component.” (thank you biology online)
So…methylation is essential to the construction of cells. I am SO oversimplifying and maybe I don’t really understand….please correct me if I am wrong.
Brief ride over, not so magic…sorry.
From the info, I conclude that my Sweet Girl, exhibiting ASD symptoms, may need some assistance “methylating”, so in comes the methyl B-12 injected subcutaneously into her rump because studies have shown that is where it is most effective every three days. Hubby does it.
Methyl B-12 helps at the cellular level and the primary reported responses were improvement in “executive function, speech, language, socialization, and emotion.” (McCandless)
Sweet Girl has been receiving injections for about a month now. We have had a hard time maintaining the every three day schedule, but I have noticed improvements across the board in her behavior and efforts to communicate. She is making more word like sounds. She is increasing her attempts at imitation as well as increased attempts at interaction with others.
It is difficult to associate what benefits we are seeing from the injections and what may be from dietary changes, supplements, etc. It does claim that it is most effective in the long term. There are mentioned side effects in the articles all of which are behavior related.
I am all for anything that may help and this was one of the first things that the doc recommended. We hopped on board…at least worth a try.
How is your daughter doing now? I have a 3.5 yr old autistic daughter who was non verbal and on gfcf diet, many supplements, metal free chelation and we started the vitamin b-12 on Oct 31. We weren’t sticking to the schedule at first because she kept getting sick (not from the shot – tis the season) and we couldn’t bare to give it to her when she was already so weak. So for the past month, we have been able to give it to her right on schedule and a few days before Christmas, she says ball, bear, eat, up, open and help. She is now trying to say Daddy but only gets the Da out. Just like you said, it’s hard to know what or if all of her biomedical interventions are working (or working together). Our DAN doctor has recommended genetic testing to pinpoint the exact problem with methylation. Good luck to you and your sweet little girl!