disorder. While true mitochondrial disease is more severe and potentially life threaten- ing, inefficiencies in the genes that modulate mitochondrial function can result in a more subtle impairment in the processing of fat and carbohydrates for energy. These micro- scopic powerhouses provide the energy that fuels all our organ systems including brain, heart, muscle, and GI tract, among others. When energy is lacking, symptoms as
varied as fatigue, low muscle tone, reflux, vomiting, constipation, swallowing difficul- ties, temperature intolerance, and heart problems can arise. The mitochondria also impact our immune function and detoxifi- cation pathways. Since the brain requires extensive amounts of energy, deficits in mi- tochondrial function reduce brain function. Emerging research is identifying more and more autistic children with mitochondrial deficits, and in many cases, the descent into autism follows a virus or fever, which makes sense since mitochondria are exquisitely sensitive to the environment, temperature and germs. Nutrients such as carnitine and CoQ10 can increase mitochondrial efficien- cy, as can certain B vitamins. These com- pounds are necessary for bringing energy substrates into the mitochondria and then processing them into energy. Epigenetics is an area of research that explores the relationship between environ- ment and external factors and gene expres- sion. While we cannot alter our specific genes, nutrition, toxins, viruses, bacteria, chemicals and pesticides all modulate how and when genes express themselves. These factors can have a profound effect on the development and treatment of autism. By reducing the toxin burden on their bodies, and providing the nutritional cofactors to overcome inefficient gene variants, we can help children on the spectrum to reach their fullest potential.
Vicki Kobliner MS RD, CD-N is a Registered Dietitian and owner of Holcare Nutrition (
www.holcarenutrition.com). Vicki works with infants, children and adults with diges- tive disorders, food allergies, ADHD, autism and other chronic illness, and provides fertil- ity and prenatal nutrition counseling. Vicki has extensive experience in using dietary modification, appropriate supplementa- tion and functional lab testing to achieve optimal wellness. She can be reached at 203.834.9949 or vicki@holcarenutrition. com. See ad this page.
On...Nutrition and Autism... “Digestive issues have a powerful impact on brain and immune function. Children on the Autism Spectrum feel better and function better when nutrition is addressed”
Vicki Kobliner, MS RD |
vicki@holcarenutrition.com HolcareNutrition 3 Hollyhock Rd. • Wilton, CT • 06897 • 203-834-9949 •
holcarenutrition.com
drkline@rklinemd.com l
www.rklinemd.com Holistic Gynecology
Additional services include: Energy medicine, Meditation, Nutritional & Psychological Counseling
NaturalNutmeg.com 27
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