Breaktrough Carnosine Treatment for Autism

There is a potential breakthrough in the treatment of autism coming from the Chicago area.

Eight-year-old Jonathan Sieger is autistic. Jane McDonald, 6, has developmental disorders. Drugs and therapies help their conditions, but they are both showing even more improvement recently by taking a supplement found in health food stores.
I was shocked that we saw so much improvement early on after using it," said Jane's mother, Diane Curtis. Jonathan's mother expressed similar satisfaction with her son's improvement. "He's just so much happier. That was our first immediate notice," Maureen Sieger said. Jonathan and Jane have been taking a synthetic version of a natural protein called l-carnosine. Their pediatric neurologist, Dr. Michael Chez of Lake Bluff, Ill., has recently completed the first study of the substance. "It affected language, receptive language, eye contact, communication, all of which are things which children with autism have big gaps with," Chez said.

Over an eight-week period, Chez's study showed that carnosine improved behavior and communication by 16 percent. Social interaction improved by 27 percent and, in just four weeks, parents reported an overall improvement that more than doubled through the length of the study. More and more research shows that the frontal lobes and the temporal lobes in the brain control emotion, epileptic activity, cognitive, expressive speech, and abstract thinking. Chez said I-carnosine apparently works in the front part of the brain. So far, he said he's used it on about 1,000 children, with a 90 percent success rate. According to Dr. Chez, children in his study improved in receptive language, auditory processing, socialization, awareness of surroundings, fine motor planning and expressive language. Responses to supplementation were seen 1 to 8 weeks into supplementation.

On some children, the change has been dramatic. "He runs into gym class. He wants to play tag. He wants to play with the other children and he's really happy to be at school for the first time," Maureen Sieger said.

For autistic children, Doctor Chez finds most beneficial a dosage of 400 mg carnosine in combination with 50-IU Vitamin E and 5 mg zinc twice a day. The zinc and Vitamin E are included because Dr. Chez believes that the addition of small doses of zinc may augment intracellular L-Carnosine activation, and vitamin E may enhance antioxidant neuro-protective properties of L-Carnosine. In some children, too high a dose may overstimulate some patient's frontal lobes which can cause increased irritability, hyperactivity or insomnia which was observed already in hyperactive autistic children. Other than that, there were no side effects. Children with other disorders such as epilepsy, central processing disorder, or brain injury dosages from 200 to 3000 mg per day based upon Dr. Chez's evaluation.

More studies will be needed to confirm the results of Chez's study.

A summary of Dr. Chez' study is as follows:



Double-Blind, placebo-controlled Study of L-carnosine supplementation in children with autistic spectrum disorder



A Novel Nutritional Approach

At the 31st Annual Meeting of the Child Neurology Society (Oct. 9-12, 2002), researchers announced the findings of a double-blind study where autistic children were given 400 mg of carnosine twice a day or placebo for 8 weeks. The findings revealed that the group receiving carnosine showed statistically significant improvements in most of the tests used to assess neurological function in autistic children.

Carnosine is an amino acid dipeptide that may enhance function in the frontal lobe area of the brain. More and more research shows that the frontal lobes of the brain control emotion, epileptic activity, cognitive function, expressive speech, and abstract thinking. The doctor (Michael D. Chez) who conducted this study states that he has used carnosine on about 1,000 children with a 90% success rate. According to Dr. Chez, children in his study improved in receptive language, auditory processing, socialization, awareness of surroundings, fine motor planning, and expressive language (Chez et al. 2002).

Responses to carnosine supplementation are usually seen in 1 to 8 weeks. In some of the children, the improvements have been described as dramatic. In this most recent study, parents of the children receiving carnosine reported that overall improvement more than doubled through the 8-week study period. Just 4 weeks into the study, social interaction improved by 27%.

For autistic children, Dr. Chez finds a dosage of 400 mg of carnosine, 50 IU of vitamin E, and 5 mg of zinc two times a day most beneficial. The zinc and vitamin E are included because Dr. Chez believes that the addition of small doses of zinc may augment intracellular carnosine activation and vitamin E may enhance the antioxidant neuroprotective properties of carnosine. In some children, too high of a dose of carnosine may over stimulate frontal lobe activity. This can cause increased irritability, hyperactivity, or insomnia, which was observed already in hyperactive autistic children.

While more studies are needed to confirm this remarkable discovery, some parents may consider supplementing their children with 400 mg of carnosine twice a day along with the small amounts of vitamin E and zinc that are often found in children's multi-vitamin formulas.

The treatment of autism as a biological disorder is a complex problem requiring that each child be individually assessed. This protocol is meant primarily to help the family with a newly diagnosed child to get started in addressing the damaged GI tract. It is imperative for the child to then be placed under the care and supervision of a physician well versed in the biology of autism.

Prior to beginning a treatment plan, laboratory testing is required to determine the presence of food allergies , heavy metals, and a compromised GI tract due to leaky gut or other disorders.
To maintain proper systemic pH of 7.44, test urine for acidosis and/or alkalosis. Diluted lemon water with added cranberry juice will help bring down an elevated pH. Add 1 or 2 grams of nonbuffered vitamin C if this mixture is ineffective. Urine levels below pH 5.5 may be corrected with lemon water alone.
Digestive enzyme supplements such as SerenAid (Klaire Laboratories) and EnZymAid (Kirkman Laboratories) are formulated especially for children with autism. Oral enzyme supplementation will assist in replacing insufficient enzyme production and help with accidental ingestion of allergic substances such as gluten or casein. Follow manufacturers' dosing instructions.
Life Flora and NutraFlora will help restore friendly bacteria to the GI tract. Life Flora will help colonize the intestinal tract. NutraFlora contains fructo - oligosaccharides (FOS) that are used as fuel for healthy bacteria to proliferate. Depending on the size, age, and overall health of your child, consult with your physician before beginning supplementation. (Life Flora and NutraFlora may contain trace amounts of whey or casein.)
A daily children's multivitamin/mineral supplement without copper, iron, or beta-carotene children's should be administered.
Insufficient sulfur needed for liver detoxification may be replaced with Epsom Salts baths.
The amino acid taurine (500 mg daily) is a good source of sulfur that helps with liver detoxification. Magnesium chloride is necessary for enzyme and nervous system functioning. Dosages of 200-300 mg daily are well tolerated.
Selenium is an antioxidant and heavy metal detoxifier. Supplement in the amount of 50 mcg daily.
Vitamin E should be taken to prevent undue oxidative stress, 50-100 mg daily. A formula containing mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols is superior.
Calcium levels are often deficient in autistic children. Dark green leafy vegetables are the best and safest source. A calcium-magnesium supplement may also be taken. Dosage will depend upon the child's tolerance.
Essential fatty acids are needed to maintain cell membrane integrity and reduce systemic inflammation. Borage oil is a good source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Perilla oil and flaxseed oil are sources of omega-3 fatty acids. A daily equivalent of approximately 100-200 mg of GLA and 250-500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids is suggested. Go low and slow.
Glutamine is a precurs o e r to the antioxidant glutathione and also benefits the gut mucosa: 500 mg daily should be taken.
Melatonin may be given to help induce sleep at dosages from 0.3-5.0 mg nightly.
Carnosine has been shown to improve neurological functioning in autistic children at doses of 400 mg twice daily. Small doses of vitamin E (50 mg) and zinc (5 mg) should be administered with carnosine to enhance its benefits. A smaller dosage of may be advisable in autistic children who are also hyperactive.
Supplementing with GI hormones, growth hormone, DHEA, and steroids should be done only under physician supervision.

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A Novel Nutritional Approach

At the 31st Annual Meeting of the Child Neurology Society (Oct. 9-12, 2002), researchers announced the findings of a double-blind study where autistic children were given 400 mg of carnosine twice a day or placebo for 8 weeks. The findings revealed that the group receiving carnosine showed statistically significant improvements in most of the tests used to assess neurological function in autistic children.

Carnosine is an amino acid dipeptide that may enhance function in the frontal lobe area of the brain. More and more research shows that the frontal lobes of the brain control emotion, epileptic activity, cognitive function, expressive speech, and abstract thinking. The doctor (Michael D. Chez) who conducted this study states that he has used carnosine on about 1,000 children with a 90% success rate. According to Dr. Chez, children in his study improved in receptive language, auditory processing, socialization, awareness of surroundings, fine motor planning, and expressive language (Chez et al. 2002).

Responses to carnosine supplementation are usually seen in 1 to 8 weeks. In some of the children, the improvements have been described as dramatic. In this most recent study, parents of the children receiving carnosine reported that overall improvement more than doubled through the 8-week study period. Just 4 weeks into the study, social interaction improved by 27%.

For autistic children, Dr. Chez finds a dosage of 400 mg of carnosine, 50 IU of vitamin E, and 5 mg of zinc two times a day most beneficial. The zinc and vitamin E are included because Dr. Chez believes that the addition of small doses of zinc may augment intracellular carnosine activation and vitamin E may enhance the antioxidant neuroprotective properties of carnosine. In some children, too high of a dose of carnosine may over stimulate frontal lobe activity. This can cause increased irritability, hyperactivity, or insomnia, which was observed already in hyperactive autistic children.

While more studies are needed to confirm this remarkable discovery, some parents may consider supplementing their children with 400 mg of carnosine twice a day along with the small amounts of vitamin E and zinc that are often found in children's multi-vitamin formulas.

The treatment of autism as a biological disorder is a complex problem requiring that each child be individually assessed. This protocol is meant primarily to help the family with a newly diagnosed child to get started in addressing the damaged GI tract. It is imperative for the child to then be placed under the care and supervision of a physician well versed in the biology of autism.

Prior to beginning a treatment plan, laboratory testing is required to determine the presence of food allergies , heavy metals, and a compromised GI tract due to leaky gut or other disorders.
To maintain proper systemic pH of 7.44, test urine for acidosis and/or alkalosis. Diluted lemon water with added cranberry juice will help bring down an elevated pH. Add 1 or 2 grams of nonbuffered vitamin C if this mixture is ineffective. Urine levels below pH 5.5 may be corrected with lemon water alone.
Digestive enzyme supplements such as SerenAid (Klaire Laboratories) and EnZymAid (Kirkman Laboratories) are formulated especially for children with autism. Oral enzyme supplementation will assist in replacing insufficient enzyme production and help with accidental ingestion of allergic substances such as gluten or casein. Follow manufacturers' dosing instructions.
Life Flora and NutraFlora will help restore friendly bacteria to the GI tract. Life Flora will help colonize the intestinal tract. NutraFlora contains fructo - oligosaccharides (FOS) that are used as fuel for healthy bacteria to proliferate. Depending on the size, age, and overall health of your child, consult with your physician before beginning supplementation. (Life Flora and NutraFlora may contain trace amounts of whey or casein.)
A daily children's multivitamin/mineral supplement without copper, iron, or beta-carotene children's should be administered.
Insufficient sulfur needed for liver detoxification may be replaced with Epsom Salts baths.
The amino acid taurine (500 mg daily) is a good source of sulfur that helps with liver detoxification. Magnesium chloride is necessary for enzyme and nervous system functioning. Dosages of 200-300 mg daily are well tolerated.
Selenium is an antioxidant and heavy metal detoxifier. Supplement in the amount of 50 mcg daily.
Vitamin E should be taken to prevent undue oxidative stress, 50-100 mg daily. A formula containing mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols is superior.
Calcium levels are often deficient in autistic children. Dark green leafy vegetables are the best and safest source. A calcium-magnesium supplement may also be taken. Dosage will depend upon the child's tolerance.
Essential fatty acids are needed to maintain cell membrane integrity and reduce systemic inflammation. Borage oil is a good source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Perilla oil and flaxseed oil are sources of omega-3 fatty acids. A daily equivalent of approximately 100-200 mg of GLA and 250-500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids is suggested. Go low and slow.
Glutamine is a precurs o e r to the antioxidant glutathione and also benefits the gut mucosa: 500 mg daily should be taken.
Melatonin may be given to help induce sleep at dosages from 0.3-5.0 mg nightly.
Carnosine has been shown to improve neurological functioning in autistic children at doses of 400 mg twice daily. Small doses of vitamin E (50 mg) and zinc (5 mg) should be administered with carnosine to enhance its benefits. A smaller dosage of may be advisable in autistic children who are also hyperactive.
Supplementing with GI hormones, growth hormone, DHEA, and steroids should be done only under physician supervision.

http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcls-txt/t-prtcl-124.html

http://autismcoach.com/Carnosine%20Study.htm

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