Gastrointestinal Abnormality
Autistic children suffer from Malabsorption of both vitamins and
foods. (Journal Autism/Childhood Schizophrenia, 1971 1(1):48-62)
clinicians report diarrhea and undigested fibres are common. They
also suffer from Maldigestion of foods as evidenced by elevated
urinary peptide's (K.L. Reichelt numerous publications).
Almost 85% of autistic children have serious Microbial
Overgrowth of fungus, bacterial and viral infections (William
Shaw, Biological Basis of Autism and PDD, 1997). Andrew
Wakefield, Lancet 1998; 351: 637-Paul Shattock
As a result of the Microbial overgrowth many autistic children
suffer from Abnormal Intestinal Permeability Symptom
Spectrum of diarrhea, constipation, gas, belching, deep probing and
visibly undigested food in the stool.
Compromised Immunity
It is widely reported in the scientific and medical literature that
autistic children have compromised immune systems. Many
autistic children have history of recurrent infections, especially
ear infections. (Euro Child/Adolescent Psych, 1993:2(2):79-90).
In laboratory analysis, T-cells, which are essential for proper
immune function are below normal (J Autism Child Schizo 7:49-55
1977). In addition autistic children have significantly reduced
natural killer cell activity (J Ann Acad Chil Psyc 26: 333-35 '87).
In addition, low or absent IgA levels in autistic children have
been reported (Autism Develop Disorder 16: 189-197 1986) and low
C4B levels (Clin Exp Immunol 83: 438-440 1991) (William Shaw,
Biological Basis of Autism and PDD, 1997).
Detoxification Weakness in Autistic Children
Sulphation low in 15 of 17 (mean 5 vs. nl 10-18) |
Glutathione Conjugation low in 14 of 17 (mean 0.55 vs 1.4-2.9)
Glucuronidation low in 17 of 17 (mean 9.6 vs. 26.0-46.0) |
Glycine Conjugation low in 12 of 17 (15.4 vs. 30.0-53.0)
(S. Edelson, DAN Conference Sept, 1997, and Toxicology & Industrial Health 14 (4): 553-563 1998)
Abnormal Nutritional Profile in Children with Autism
Low activated B6 (P5P) in 42% of autistic children. Autistic
group also higher in serum copper. (Nutr. and Beh 2:9-17, 1984).
Low derivative omega-6 levels 50 of 50 autistics assayed
through Kennedy Kreiger had GLA and DGLA below mean. (J.
Orthomolecular Medicine Vol 12, No. 4, 1997).
Low EGOT (functional B6) in 82% and all 12 subjects low in 4
amino acids (tyrosine, carnosine, lysine, hydroxylysine). Dietary
analysis revealed below-RDA intakes in Zinc (12 of 12 subjects,
Calcium (8 of 12), Vitamin D (9 of 12), Vitamin E (6 of 12) and
Vitamin A (6 of 12) (G. Kotsanis, DAN Conf., Sept, 1996)
Low methionine levels not uncommon in autism. (John Pangborn,
1995 DAN Conference)
Below normal glutamine (14 of 14), high glutamate (8 of 14)
(Invest Clin 1996 June; 37(2): 112-28)
Higher Copper/Zinc ratios in autistic children. (J. Applied
Nutrition 48: 110-118, 1997)
Reduced sulphate conjugation and lower plasma sulphate in
autistics. (Dev. Brain Dysfunct 1997; 10:40-43)
B12 deficiency suggested by elevated urinary methylmalonic acid
(Lancet 1998; 351: 637-41)
Low intracellular minerals by clinical reports. Fudenberg, for
instance, reports consistently low Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium
which must be addressed before other therapies can work
B6 and Magnesium therapeutic efficacy--multiple positive
studies (start with Am J Psych 1978; 135: 472-5)
The Autism Research Institute (Dr. Rimland) parent survey for
therapeutic responses by autistic children showed:
50% improved with Zinc (6% worsened)
49% improved with Vitamin C
46% improved with Magnesium and B6 (5% worsened)
58% improved with Calcium
What Nutritional Supplements are Helpful?
High-dosage (megavitamin) nutritional supplementation is playing an increasingly
important role in the treatment of autism. Dr. Rimland states that:
"Researchers both in the United States and abroad have
demonstrated very clearly that 30 to 60 percent of autistic
children and adults show significant behavioral and other benefits
from the administration of large amounts of vitamin B6 and magnesium."
Magnesium is employed because the body cannot effectively use vitamin B6
without adequate magnesium. According to Dr. Rimland, some studies show not
only behavioral improvement, but also normalization of brain waves and of
metabolism. He adds that this approach is far safer, more rational, and more
helpful than the use of any drug. A magnesium deficiency has also been shown to
cause hearing hypersensitivity and hyperirritability, both associated with
autism. Dr. Rimland also recommends the supplementation of zinc, as well as the
other B vitamins in his program.
Vitamin C has also been shown to significantly reduce autistic behavior such as
rocking, spinning, and hand flapping, according to a recent study.
Dimethylglycine (DMG), a nontoxic chemical found in minute amounts in foods,
has also proved helpful in treating autism, according to Dr. Rimland. Many
parents have reported that within days of starting DMG, their autistic child's
behavior improved noticeably, and better eye contact was observed, as well as an
improvement in the child's speech, adds Dr. Rimland. Folic acid has been shown to
reduce hyperactivity and improve overall emotion health.
Digestive problems can be improved by restoring the balance of friendly bacteria
to unfriendly bacteria. Supplementation with acidophilus, scFOS and biotins
greatly improve the health of the digestive tract and reduce diarrhoea and
Constipation while improving overall health. Cranberry extract has been shown to
be very effective against unfriendly bacteria and yeasts.
Colostrum, A potent immune booster is a fluid secreted into the mother's milk
for approximately three days following birth. It can boost the immune system
especially the IgA levels that are low or even not found in many autistic
children.
Many autistic children are allergic to diary products and must restrict their
intake. Since diary products are the principle source of calcium, supplements are
necessary.
Super Nu-Thera a B6/magnesium based multiple vitamin designed by Dr. Bernard
Rimland for autistic children contains 16 different vitamins. It has shown
remarkable benefits to many autistic children.
Why Diet is Important for Autistic Children
Diet is an important factor in treating autism. It is recommended by leading
authorities that autistic children eat a diet of whole, unprocessed, alkalinizing
foods such as vegetables, since many autistic children's blood is overly acidic.
Canned, packaged, and frozen foods contain preservatives and other food
additives that can have adverse effects on autistic children. Dairy products
should be avoided because of their mucous-producing properties, as should
processed sugar, due to the chemicals used in refining.
Another dietary factor to consider when treating autism has to do with the
peptides contained in cow's milk and gluten-derived products. According to a
recent study when milk and gluten-derived peptides were removed from the diet,
language, social interactions, and behavior all improved.
In this particular study, fifteen autistic children and adults, aged six to
twenty-two, were treated by restricting or eliminating cow's milk and
gluten-derived products from their diets. According to the study, these patients
were socially isolated, resistant to learning, showed peculiar attachment to
certain objects, showed fear of unusual items and situations, and demonstrated
both repetitive motor behavior and severe problems with emotional expression.
Language problems and disturbed attention were also common.
Urine analysis samples showed that patients had increased levels of cow's milk
and gluten-derived peptides. Depending on the specific pattern of peptides in the
urine, three types of diets were prescribed to reduce overall peptide levels.
Some patients received a gluten-free and milk-reduced diet, others received a
milk-free and/or gluten-reduced diet, and a third group received a milk- and
gluten-free diet.
Milk reduction was achieved by eliminating milk and cheese, and gluten reduction
was achieved by giving only gluten-free bread and cakes. After one year, all the
study subjects had changed in the direction of the normal spectrum; they were
less psychotic, more communicative, and showed less bizarre behavior. Other
statistically significant changes included improved attention and social
integration, improved motor ability and skills, and a decrease in irrational
emotional outbursts. Especially noteworthy was the decrease in resistance to
learning demonstrated by all cases.
Dr. Crook says he has noticeably improved the behaviour of autistic children by
using an elimination diet. Any food normally consumed more than once a week is
removed from their diets. As symptoms improve, each food is added back to the
diet one at a time. One of Dr. Crook's patients became more alert, less
hyperactive, and more sociable after wheat, sugar, corn and eggs were removed
from his diet.
Links to Autism Sites
My ASD Info group -
Autism Info Index -
Happy trials from n.clark@clear.net.nz
