Background Information on Nutrition Related to the Autism Spectrum

for Discussion with a Medical Professional

Two items to consider and discuss:

1. Dimethylglycine: DMG

DMG has been found to be very effective for people on the autism spectrum.  Here is main background information written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a highly respected publication. [http://www.autism.org/dmg.html]

"The recommended daily dose of DMG is between one to four 125 mg tablets for a child, and between two and eight tablets for an adult. Initially, a person should begin with one 125 mg tablet (a ½ tablet for a small child), and then increase the amount by one tablet every 2 to 3 days. DMG is also available in capsule, liquid, and sweet-tasting dissolving tablets."

One source of capsules is Pure Encapsulations,

Background: http://www.purecaps.com/NewsResearch/newsletter/20040121/index.asp

TO ORDER: http://www.purecaps.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=DMG1

2. Fish Oil (can be purchased at most supermarkets.)

For general information on fish oil, see Nutrition Investigator, my site: [http://www.beloit.edu/nutrition/fishoil.htm]

Some people have expressed concern about mercury contamination of fish oil.  For information to relieve that stress, please see [http://www.beloit.edu/nutrition/mercury.htm]

Standard fish oil tablets contain 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA.

A good study explaining medical information about fish oil and autism (and other medical aspects) can be downloaded at:

www.eas.asu.edu/~autism/Research/FattyAcids.doc

" In a study of 53 boys with ADHD compared to 43 boys without ADHD, the boys with ADHD were found to have significantly lower levels of EPA, DHA, total omega-3 EFA’s, and arachidonic acid in their RBC [i]    Another study of children with ADHD also reported reduced plasma concentrations of EPA, DHA, and archidonic acid. [ii]   In a study of boys with behavior, learning, and health problems, it was found that boys with lower omega 3 EFA levels had more behavior problems, more temper tantrums, and more sleep problems. [iii]    It should be pointed out that all of those symptoms are commonly observed in autism."

In discussion with a physician, an initial dosage of one capsule three times a week might be considered to raise circulating blood levels to a healthy level.

Note that the fish oils EPA and DHA (DHEA) are different than the commonly marketed omega-3 fatty acid, linolenic acid.  At the Linus Pauling Institute meeting in May, 2005, I learned that linolenic acid is not metabolized by people to provide the benefits provided by fish oil, which is specifically EPA and DHEA.