Table 7 Adverse Effects. The severity of Overall Adverse Effects based on the 0–3 scale of the NSTEA scale, followed by the rate of occurrence of individual symptoms, arranged in order from most to least common. The bottom section includes a list of possible symptoms which were asked about but which did not occur
From: Vitamin/mineral/micronutrient supplement for autism spectrum disorders: a research survey
Overall Adverse Effects (NSTEA scale) | 0.25 ± 0.54 (on a scale of 0–3) |  |
|---|---|---|
No adverse effects (0) | 127 (79%) | Â |
Mild Adverse Effects (1) | 27 (17%) | Â |
Moderate Adverse Effects (2) | 5 (3%) | Â |
Severe Adverse Effects (3) | 1 (0.6%) | Â |
Symptom | Percentage | N |
 Hyperactivity | 9% | 14 |
 Stimming/perseveration | 6% | 9 |
 Irritability | 4% | 7 |
 Aggression/agitation | 4% | 6 |
 Behavior problems | 4% | 6 |
 Gastrointestinal Problems | 4% | 6 |
 Anxiety | 3% | 5 |
 Sleep problems | 2% | 4 |
 Bedwetting/bladder control | 2% | 3 |
 General Worsening | 1% | 2 |
 Cognition (ability to think) | 1% | 2 |
 Tics/abnormal movements | 1% | 2 |
 Dry mouth | 1% | 1 |
 Headache/migraine | 1% | 1 |
 Nausea | 1% | 1 |
 Weight gain | 1% | 1 |
 Other (not in original list, but reported by participant): Odd Body Odor | 1% | 1 |
Symptoms which were asked about but were reported as not occurring | ||
 Depression | 0% | 0 |
 Dizziness/unsteadiness | 0% | 0 |
 Fatigue/drowsiness | 0% | 0 |
 Liver/kidney problem | 0% | 0 |
 Loss of appetite | 0% | 0 |
 Rash | 0% | 0 |
 Seizures | 0% | 0 |
 Self-injury | 0% | 0 |
 Weight loss | 0% | 0 |
How long did adverse effects last? | % of 32 respondents | Â |
 A few days | 13% | 4 |
 1–2 weeks | 13% | 4 |
 Several weeks or more | 28% | 7 |
 Until reducing the dose | 47% | 15 |
 Until totally stopping the supplement | 6% | 2 |
Did reducing the dose help reduce the adverse effects? | % of 32 respondents | Â |
 Yes | 78% | 25 |
 No | 22% | 7 |