Admin, My Spectrum Heroes
What is "Leaky Gut" and Could it be the Cause of Your Child's Symptoms?
Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a digestive disorder that develops when tight junctions loosen or become damaged and allow undigested food, bacteria, or toxins to leak through the wall of the intestine [1].
Tight junctions are small gaps in the intestinal lining that promote the transfer of nutrients, while preventing undesirable compounds from passing through the intestinal tract into the bloodstream.
Unfortunately, when tight junctions loosen, harmful substances begin to accumulate in the bloodstream and this may cause various types of inflammatory issues [2].
In addition to inflammation, symptoms such as food sensitivities, bloating, gas, cramps, and additional digestive problems may develop as a result of leaky gut.
Although some healthcare providers do not consider leaky gut as an actual medical diagnosis, mounting scientific evidence indicates that this a true condition that affects many people and may be associated with the onset of numerous health problem such as allergies, asthma, skin disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), among other issues [1-4].
Furthermore, many children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and other forms of developmental delays tend to suffer from digestive issues including leaky gut. [5, 6]
One of the main reasons that mental health is linked to digestive health is because in addition to playing a role in the transfer of essential nutrients to the brain, the lining of the intestinal tract is comprised of numerous nerves and beneficial gut bacteria that also support optimal cognitive function [5, 7].
However, in order to promote proper nutrient transport to the brain, the intestinal environment must be healthy.
Leaky gut causes harmful substances to damage the intestinal lining and this disrupts normal digestive function. Similarly, if nerves in the gut become inflamed or damaged due to leaky gut, then the transfer of nerve signals that influence mental performance will also be negatively impacted.
Therefore, leaky gut can worsen the symptoms of ADHD and autism [5, 7].
The development of leaky gut is associated with a number of factors that include: bacterial or candida (yeast) overgrowth in the gut, taking certain medications, and eating inflammatory or gut-irritating foods.
However, two of the main triggers are bacterial overgrowth and gluten intake because they enhance the production of a protein called zonulin. As zonulin levels increase, tight junctions gradually begin to loosen and this causes harmful substances to pass into the bloodstream, the immune system becomes overactive, and it causes children to experience intestinal discomfort [8, 9].
There are several strategies that help target leaky gut symptoms in children with ADHD or autism. The first strategy involves eliminating food that irritates the gut or causes inflammation. These include:
- Gluten-based food, as this protein is hard to digest and it is a common allergen
- Dairy products, as some children are intolerant to casein (milk protein)
- Corn, soy, and eggs, as these are also common allergens
- Nutritional supplements designed to support and/or repair gut health
Eliminating these foods from the diet helps promote natural healing of the intestinal tract and this is especially beneficial for children with autism or ADHD.
Micronutrient and probiotic supplementation also foster a healthier intestinal environment and research shows that this type of supplementation helps improve behavior in children with developmental delays [10, 11].
Micronutrient supplementation addresses nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to cognitive impairments and probiotics improve digestive function by targeting harmful bacteria that cause intestinal inflammation, enhancing nutrient absorption, and releasing enzymes that heighten the digestion of food [6, 10].
The combination of these types of strategies target leaky gut by supporting the restoration of proper tight junction function. This can improve intestinal and cognitive health for children with autism and ADHD.
Learn more about nutrition strategies that can help improve gut health by downloading your FREE Nutrition Intervention for Autism and ADHD Getting Started Guide
Or check out the Supplements for Autism and ADHD Getting Started Guide
References
- Maes M, Leunis JC. Normalization of leaky gut in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is accompanied by a clinical improvement: effects of age, duration of illness and the translocation of LPS from gram-negative bacteria. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008;29(6):902-10.
- Odenwald MA, Turner JR. Intestinal permeability defects: is it time to treat? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;11(9):1075-1083.
- Farshchi MK, Azad FJ, Salari R, et al. A Viewpoint on the Leaky Gut Syndrome to Treat Allergic Asthma: A Novel Opinion. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(3):378-380.
- Simeonova D, Ivanovska M, Murdjeva M, et al. Recognizing the leaky gut as a trans-diagnostic target for neuro-immune disorders using clinical chemistry and molecular immunology assays. Curr Top Med Chem. 2018, in press.
- Molloy CA, Manning-Courtney P: Prevalence of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism and autistic spectrum disorders. Autism. 2003;7(2):165-171.
- Ming X, Chen N, et al. A Gut Feeling: A Hypothesis of the Role of the Microbiome in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders. Child Neurol Open. 2018;5:2329048X18786799.
- Verlaet AA, Noriega DB, Hermans N, Savelkoul HF. Nutrition, immunological mechanisms and dietary immunomodulation in ADHD. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;23(7):519-29.
- Fasano A. Intestinal permeability and its regulation by zonulin: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012;10(10):1096-100.
- Fasano A. Zonulin and its regulation of intestinal barrier function: the biological door to inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Physiol Rev. 2011; 91(1):151-75.
- Rucklidge JJ, Eggleston MJF, Johnstone JM, Darling K, Frampton CM. Vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: a fully blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2018;59(3):232-246.
- Sheridan PO, Bindels LB, et al. Can prebiotics and probiotics improve therapeutic outcomes for undernourished individuals? Gut Microbes. 2014; 5(1):74-82.
Related articles
07 Jun 2025
What Is Choline? The Brain-Boosting Benefits for Kids
Choline might not be the first nutrient that comes to mind when you think about your child's health—but it should be. It plays a crucial role in brain development, learning, focus, and mood. In this blog, we'll explore why choline is a game-changer for growing kids—and how you can make sure your child is getting enough. What Is Choline, Exactly? Choline is a vitamin-like nutrient that’s often grouped with B vitamins. It’s essential for building healthy brain cells and producing acetylcholine—a key neurotransmitter that supports memory, learning, and mood. Without enough choline, the brain can’t operate at full power. Choline is also critical for liver function, muscle movement, and cell membrane integrity. It supports methylation—a process that impacts everything from gene expression to detoxification. Choline benefits for kids During childhood, the brain is developing rapidly. Choline helps in: Supporting learning and memory pathways Building strong neural connections Supporting mood and focus regulation Aiding in nervous system development These choline benefits for kids are essential for laying the foundation for a lifetime of strong cognitive function and emotional balance. Children who don’t get enough choline may be at risk for cognitive and behavioral challenges. Since the body can only make a small amount of choline on its own, getting enough through diet or supplements is key. Signs Your Child Might Not Be Getting Enough Most kids don’t meet daily choline needs—especially picky eaters or those with restricted diets. Look out for: Trouble focusing or forgetfulness Mood swings or irritability Fatigue or low energy Poor coordination or weak muscle tone Learning difficulties or slower cognitive processing If your child has sensory issues, avoids eggs, or has gut issues that affect nutrient absorption, they could be at higher risk of choline insufficiency. How Much Choline Do Kids Need? Choline needs vary by age. Here’s a quick guide: Ages 1–3: 200 mg/day Ages 4–8: 250 mg/day Ages 9–13: 375 mg/day Ages 14–18: 400–550 mg/day Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers need even more, as choline is critical during fetal brain development. SHOP NOW Where Can Kids Get Choline? Good food sources include: Eggs (especially the yolk) Fish and seafood Chicken and turkey Beef liver Broccoli and cauliflower Quinoa and soybeans However, many children—especially those with food sensitivities or aversions—may not eat enough to get choline benefits for kids. This is where high-quality supplements can help fill the gap See Product Our Multivitamin Mineral Plus includes bioavailable choline, making it easier for kids to absorb and use. It’s ideal for: Picky eaters Children with restricted diets Kids needing brain, mood, and focus support ✅ Benefits: Supports cognitive development Promotes better mood and behavior Made without gluten, soy, dairy, or artificial additives Bioavailable choline in our supplement means more gets into the bloodstream and brain—where it matters most. This product is parent-trusted and kid-approved. SHOP MULTIVITAMINS Support Your Child’s Health with Confidence Allergen-free kids vitamins offer a safe, effective way to ensure your child gets the nutrients they need, without the worry of allergic reactions or sensory discomfort. With benefits like improved immunity, better gut health, and support for picky eaters, these supplements empower your child to thrive. Start today with our Multivitamin Mineral Plus and take the first step toward a healthier, happier future for your family. Choline and Neurodevelopmental Health Choline’s benefits go beyond the basics. Research suggests it may help support: -Children who struggle with attention or focus -Kids with communication or speech delays -Behavior regulation, especially under stress Some studies suggest prenatal choline intake can influence outcomes like memory and cognitive flexibility in children years later. For children already facing developmental concerns, nutritional support like choline can complement behavioral and therapeutic strategies. Tips for Supporting Choline Intake at Home 🥚 Add hard-boiled eggs or egg muffins to breakfast 🍓 Mix cooked quinoa into smoothies or muffins 🥦 Offer broccoli and cauliflower with kid-friendly dips 💊 Use choline-rich multivitamins daily if food variety is limited 🍎 Stir multivitamin powder into applesauce, yogurt, or blended soups 🍗 Batch-cook meals with turkey, chicken, or fish as staples Try These Kid-Friendly Recipes with Multivitamin Mineral Plus Explore our allergen-free recipes for more ideas to make nutrition fun and stress-free. Gluten-Free Pasta Salad See Recipe Egg Muffins with Vegetables See Recipe Choline is essential for brain health, memory, and mood Many children don’t get enough through diet alone Supplementing with a choline-rich multivitamin can help fill nutritional gaps Look for bioavailable forms of choline, especially for children with digestive or sensory challenges Frequently Asked Questions Is choline safe for kids? Yes—when taken at age-appropriate levels, it’s completely safe and essential. Can my child get choline through food? Yes, but most kids don’t eat enough choline-rich foods like eggs or liver regularly. What if my child has food sensitivities? Our supplements are allergen-free and contain choline in bioavailable forms. How quickly will I see results? Every child is different, but many parents report improvements in focus, behavior, or mood within weeks. Denise Voight, MS Clinical Nutritionist with a Master's in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. She specializes in nutritional interventions for those experiencing difficulties with gut, immune, and cognitive health challenges. Denise's expertise lies in using scientifically proven dietary and nutritional therapies to foster health improvements, with a special emphasis on gut health Her commitment to nutritional health stems from personal experience; her journey began when her son faced chronic health challenges and struggled with attention and behavior linked to gut issues. Using a Functional Medicine approach to heal his gut and address food intolerances not only transformed their lives but also inspired Denise to dedicate her career to helping others. She leverages her knowledge and empathy to educate, empower, and support families navigating similar challenges. Table of contents What Is Choline, Exactly? Choline benefits for kids Signs Your Child Might Not Be Getting Enough Where Can Kids Get Choline? Our Multivitamin Mineral Plus includes bioavailable choline, making it easier for kids to absorb and use. It’s ideal for: Choline and Neurodevelopmental Health Tips for Supporting Choline Intake at Home Try These Kid-Friendly Recipes with Multivitamin Mineral Plus Explore our allergen-free recipes for more ideas to make nutrition fun and stress-free. Frequently Asked Questions
04 May 2025
Allergen-Free Kids Vitamins: A Safe Choice for Sensitive Kids
For parents of children with allergies, immune challenges, gut issues, sensory sensitivities, or picky eating habits, finding safe and effective nutrition solutions can feel overwhelming. Allergen-free kids vitamins are designed to provide essential nutrients without triggering allergic reactions or sensitivities, making them a game-changer for families seeking peace of mind. Unlike standard children’s vitamins, allergen-free options avoid common triggers like dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, and artificial additives. This is critical for kids who experience nutrient insufficiencies due to restricted diets or picky eating, which can impact their growth, immune health, and overall well-being. Benefits of Allergen-Free Kids Vitamins Allergen-Free Kids Vitamins Supports Sensitive Systems : Free from allergens, these vitamins reduce the risk of adverse reactions, perfect for kids with food sensitivities. Boosts Nutrient Intake : Provides essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., vitamin D, magnesium) to address deficiencies common in picky eaters. Promotes Gut and Immune Health : Ingredients like zinc and NAC support digestion and immunity, vital for kids with gut challenges. Energy for Thought : With mitochondrial support from Coenzyme Q10 and acetyl-L-carnitine, your child's brain gets the energy it needs to excel. Behavior & Focus : Ingredients like Vitamin B6 and magnesium have been shown to improve behavior, focus, and academic performance. See Product Why Choose My Spectrum Heroes Multivitamin Mineral Plus? At My Spectrum Heroes, we understand the unique needs of children with health challenges. Our Multivitamin Mineral Plus is a science-backed, allergen-free kids vitamin designed to support growing bodies. Here’s what sets it apart: Allergen-Free : No dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, or artificial colors/flavors, ensuring safety for sensitive kids. Neurological Health : Ingredients like choline, inositol, and MSM, not typically found in children's vitamins, support healthy brain function, reduce inflammation, and enhance neurotransmitter production Comprehensive Nutrition : Packed with methylated B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D, E, and minerals like zinc and magnesium to support immunity, cognition, and gut health. Flexible Formats : Available in powder for young kids and capsules for teens or adults, perfect for the whole family. Developed by a Functional Medicine Nutritionist, our formula is backed by research and crafted with feedback from parents like you, ensuring it meets the needs of children with diverse health challenges. How to Introduce Allergen-Free Kids Vitamins Adding vitamins to your child’s routine can be simple with these tips: Start Small : Mix a small amount of powder into a favorite drink or food to ease sensory-sensitive kids into the taste. Make It Fun : Create a “superhero smoothie” with our powder form to excite picky eaters. Be Consistent : Incorporate vitamins into daily routines, like breakfast, for lasting benefits. SEE MORE PARENT TESTED TIPS Explore our allergen-free recipes for more ideas to make nutrition fun and stress-free. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie See Recipe Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie See Recipe Support Your Child’s Health with Confidence Allergen-free kids vitamins offer a safe, effective way to ensure your child gets the nutrients they need, without the worry of allergic reactions or sensory discomfort. With benefits like improved immunity, better gut health, and support for picky eaters, these supplements empower your child to thrive. Start today with our Multivitamin Mineral Plus and take the first step toward a healthier, happier future for your family. Frequently Asked Questions What makes My Spectrum Heroes different from other multivitamins? My Spectrum Heroes is specifically formulated to support brain health in children. It includes ingredients like choline, inositol, MSM, and CoQ10, which are not commonly found in other multivitamins, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health alongside general nutrition. Is this multivitamin safe for children? Yes, our Multivitamin Mineral Plus is manufactured to the highest standards in facilities that adhere to strict quality and safety protocols. It’s free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, and nuts, and contains no artificial additives, ensuring it’s safe and suitable for children with dietary sensitivities or restrictions Can this product help with behavior and mood in children? Yes, ingredients like inositol and magnesium are known to promote calm and reduce impulsivity, potentially improving mood, focus, and behavior, especially beneficial for children under stress or with behavioral challenges. What if my child is a picky eater or doesn't like the taste? My Spectrum Heroes is formulated to be palatable, but if your child is particularly sensitive, you might try mixing it into a favorite food or drink, but if you're unhappy for any reason you can take advantage of our 30-day guarantee and receive a refund. Support Your Child’s Health with Confidence Allergen-free kids vitamins offer a safe, effective way to ensure your child gets the nutrients they need, without the worry of allergic reactions or sensory discomfort. With benefits like improved immunity, better gut health, and support for picky eaters, these supplements empower your child to thrive. Start today with our Multivitamin Mineral Plus and take the first step toward a healthier, happier future for your family. Denise Voight, MS Clinical Nutritionist with a Master's in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. She specializes in nutritional interventions for those experiencing difficulties with gut, immune, and cognitive health challenges. Denise's expertise lies in using scientifically proven dietary and nutritional therapies to foster health improvements, with a special emphasis on gut health Her commitment to nutritional health stems from personal experience; her journey began when her son faced chronic health challenges and struggled with attention and behavior linked to gut issues. Using a Functional Medicine approach to heal his gut and address food intolerances not only transformed their lives but also inspired Denise to dedicate her career to helping others. She leverages her knowledge and empathy to educate, empower, and support families navigating similar challenges. Table of contents Benefits of Allergen-Free Kids Vitamins Why Choose My Spectrum Heroes Multivitamin Mineral Plus? At My Spectrum Heroes, we understand the unique needs of children with health challenges. Our Multivitamin Mineral Plus is a science-backed, allergen-free kids vitamin designed to support growing bodies. Here’s what sets it apart: Developed by a Functional Medicine Nutritionist, our formula is backed by research and crafted with feedback from parents like you, ensuring it meets the needs of children with diverse health challenges. How to Introduce Allergen-Free Kids Vitamins Explore our allergen-free recipes for more ideas to make nutrition fun and stress-free. Frequently Asked Questions