High-dose pyridoxine and magnesium administration in children with autistic disorder: An absence of salutary effects in a double-blind, placebo- controlled study

Robert L. Findling, Kathleen Maxwell, Lynette Scotese-Wojtila, Jie Huang, Toyoko Yamashita, Max Wiznitzer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

86 Scopus citations

Abstract

Several reports have described salutary effects such as decreased physical aggression and improved social responsiveness being associated with the administration of high doses of pyridoxine and magnesium (HDPM) in open- labeled and controlled studies of patients with autism. Despite this fact, this intervention remains controversial. A 10-week double-blind, placebo- controlled trial was undertaken to examine both the efficacy and safety of HDPM in autism. Twelve patients were enrolled, and 10 patients (mean age 6 years 3 months) were able to complete the study. HDPM at an average dose of 638.9 mg of pyridoxine and 216.3 mg of magnesium oxide was ineffective in ameliorating autistic behaviors as assessed by the Children's Psychiatric Rating Scale (CPRS), the Clinical Global Impression Scale, and the NIMH Global Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Furthermore, no clinically significant side effects were noted during HDPM administration. A trend for a transient change on the CPRS was found that was possibly due to a placebo response. This study raises doubts about the clinical effectiveness of HDPM in autistic disorder.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)467-478
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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