Vitamin B6, Magnesium and Autism Ranking:

Future Research

Summary of Existing Research

There is some limited evidence to suggest that certain autistic individuals may have a deficiency of vitamin B6. However, the number of  autistic individuals who have a vitamin B6 deficiency is not clear. It is also unknown whether a vitamin B6 deficiency can cause or worsen symptoms (of autism or related issues) or arises because of autism or is completely unrelated to autism. 

There is a reasonable amount of low-quality research (11 group studies and two single-case design studies with three or more participants) into the use of vitamin B6 and magnesium supplements as an intervention for autistic individuals.

However, because the quality of that research is so poor, we cannot determine whether vitamin B6 and magnesium are likely to provide any benefits to anyone who is autistic.. We must wait for further research of sufficiently high quality to be completed.

Recommendations for Future Research

There is a need for further research into the use of vitamin B6 and magnesium supplements for autistic people.  Specifically, there is a need for studies which use robust methodology, for example, large-scale, placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind trials carried out on several sites. 

That research should also identify which individuals are most likely to benefit from which formulations and dosages; should determine if vitamin B6 and magnesium supplements can be used as one of the elements within comprehensive, multi-component, treatment models; should compare vitamin B6 and magnesium supplements with other interventions which are designed to achieve similar results, such as special diets.

That research should also identify if vitamin B6 and magnesium supplements have any beneficial or harmful effects in the medium to long term. It should also involve autistic people in the design, development and evaluation of those studies.

Updated

17 Jun 2022

Last Review

01 Dec 2018

Next Review

01 Oct 2024