Nutritional solutions “sorely under-researched” area for communication disorders

08 Jun 2021 --- IQed Smart Nutrition, a whole food vitamin and meal replacement product, can help improve the key functions of people with speech, communication and motor skill deficiencies, according to an Alternative Therapies-published consumer survey. 

IQed is a vitamins and minerals blend containing whey protein isolate and other Ayurvedic and botanical ingredients.

A study researcher tells NutritionInsight that nutritional solutions in a wide range of prevalent diagnoses, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ASD-type conditions, is a “new and growing field that is very much in its infancy.” 

“We hope this will inspire more research in this sorely under-researched area,” they state. The broader goal of the superfood brand IQed is to raise awareness so further confirmatory research can be performed.

Ninety-two percent of survey respondents afflicted with ASD, apraxia and other conditions involving motor and speech delay reported positive behavioral or physical changes when adding IQed formula to the diet. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) reported positive changes within the first two weeks. 

IQed also improved expressive speech for 85.7 percent of the participants and increased vocalizations – such as sounds and words – for 88.1 percent among all speech and communication factors combined. 

Notably, the World Health Organization estimates one in 160 children worldwide has an ASD, but the prevalence of ASD in many low- and middle-income countries is unknown.

IQed Smart Nutrition contains whey protein isolate, gymnema, chia seeds, turmeric, green tea and several B vitamins. (Photo credit: IQed).Supporting brain health
The study’s purpose was to measure the effectiveness of specific food blends and nutrients on speech and motor impairments. The 77 survey participants had already been supplementing with IQed Smart Nutrition. 

“The components of this supplement are considered to be beneficial to one’s health as reported in the paper; however, the specific mechanisms of action involved require further investigation,” the study spokesperson notes.

Besides speech and communication improvements, more than 67 percent of the survey takers reported improvements in all factors: oral motor skills (63.2 percent), receptive ability (69.6 percent), focus (65.1 percent) and motor planning (77.6 percent).

Participants also reported improved mood (62.3 percent), social skills (59.3 percent), and physical/behavioral health (47.3 percent), with any adverse side effects reported in less than 1 percent.

Zoning in on diets for ASD
Funded by nonprofit organization Cherab Foundation, the study aims to continue to guide future research into how natural food products, vitamin and mineral supplements, and Ayurvedic and botanical ingredients can potentially support the management of neurological conditions.

“As a mother of special needs children who runs a nonprofit, I have found that specific essential nutrients are key for the acceleration of progress,” affirms co-author Lisa Geng, founder and president of the Cherab Foundation. 

Previous unrelated studies have looked at how mental health and well-being are influenced by the diet. In one study, omega 3 supplements improve attention among children with ADHD, while another found gastrointestinal distress may be the root of some emotional disorders in autistic children.

In further autism research, soluble guar fiber from Taiyo may help improve constipation and irritability in children within the autism spectrum.

The research spokesperson concludes: “Investing in a healthy diet can help alleviate developmental problems in early life, defraying costs associated with therapies and medical intervention. This type of lifestyle can mitigate additional costs associated with future health problems.” 

By Anni Schleicher