Common Supplements and Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders


Amino Acids Proteins from meat, chicken, turkey, fish, nuts, and beans are


made of tiny building blocks called amino acids. These are extremely important as they are used to construct large substances in the body. Parts of every cell, parts of hormones, and most importantly in autism, our brain chemicals. Serotonin is made from tryptophan, do- pamine is made form phenylalanine, GABA is made from theanine. If your child isn’t eating enough protein or your child isn’t digesting the protein, then they won’t have the fuel to build brain chemicals. Altered neurotransmitters affect their mood, sensation, and learning abilities.


5-HTP – 5-Hydroxytryptophan is an amino acid metabolite that is created from the amino acid tryptophan. It converts to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin. It can be used to help insomnia, hyperactivity, or sadness. Some people may experience headaches from 5-HTP. Consult your naturopathic physician if you plan to take it at the same time as SSRI medications. Arginine – Arginine is an amino acid that is beneficial for your


blood vessels as well as detoxification. It causes small blood vessels to dilate, bringing more blood to certain areas, such as the brain by converting to nitric oxide. This may improve cognition in children. Carnitine – Two forms of carnitine exist as supplements: L-


carnitine and Acetyl-L-carnitine. The Acetyl-L-carnitine form seems to work better for neurological concerns like autism. Carnitine also helps break down fat for energy. GABA – This amino acid metabolite is created from the amino acid theanine. It can be taken as a supplement directly as it im- mediately affects the nervous system by slowing it down. It can be beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, and pain. There is discussion as to whether GABA crosses the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Some scien- tists believe it does, while others debate otherwise. Clinically, I see a beneficial effect of calming in many children who take GABA. Glycine (DMG, TMG) – Glycine comes in three supplemented forms: glycine, dimethylglycine (DMG) and trimethylglycine (TMG). Glycine aids in detoxification, DNA formation, hemoglobin synthe- sis, and assists neurotransmitters. It acts as a neurorelaxant and can


be used to calm anxiety and hyperactivity. Different forms seem to work better in different children, so feel free to experiment. Glycine also has a naturally sweet flavor and can be used as a sugar substi- tute. It doesn’t raise blood glucose levels and tastes nice and sweet. NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) – NAC is one of my favorite amino ac- ids. Not only does it act as a mucolytic to break down mucus in the body, sinuses, and lungs, but NAC is used as a strong detoxifier. In fact, hospitals give intravenous NAC to patients with acetaminophen toxicity, to reverse the toxic damage to the liver. It is also one of the main ingredients in the antioxidant glutathione. NAC will reverse liver damage, kidney damage, as well as brain damage caused from drugs, the diet soda sweetener aspartame, and other toxic substanc- es. NAC does have a sulphury taste, but should be hidden in strong tasting foods like grape juice. NAC may worsen GI symptoms if a child has intestinal yeast. Phenylalanine/Tyrosine – Phenylalanine is an amino acid that


converts into another amino acid, tyrosine. Both are available as supplements. These both convert into the brain chemicals dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These brain chemicals help bring focus and concentration. Some children may become hyperactive on these amino acids, but they are worth trying in children that are more lethargic. Children with PKU should never take the amino acid phenylalanine. Taurine – Taurine is an amino acid that has a calming effect


on the brain. Most beneficial in children that have had a history of seizures, it can aid in insomnia, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Many people assume taurine is a stimulant as it is an ingredient in many energy drinks (maybe they want you to calm down so you need another). Theanine – Theanine is an amino acid that creates the neu-


rotransmitter GABA. It has a calming effect on the nervous system. Most theanine supplements are an extract of green tea. When people drink tea, they don’t feel jittery because of the theanine in the tea. Tryptophan – Popularized as one of the amino acids in turkey


that make you sleepy (who doesn’t remember the Seinfeld episode), tryptophan metabolizes into 5-HTP and then the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin. This can aid in insomnia, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Consult your naturopathic physician before taking tryp- tophan with SSRI medications.


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