September 2009 Issue
FoodScience® offers specialty products and wholesale supplements in categories such as immune support, weight management, joint support and a complete line of gender and age specific multivitamins. Other popular categories include mineral supplements, CoQ10 supplements, digestive enzymes and our DMG family of products. DMG Safety & Interaction Information DMG is completely safe as a supplement in you daily diet because it does not buildup in the body. There are no deficiency symptoms if the diet is lacking in DMG. Those with the rare disorder of dimethylglycine dehydrogenase deficiency may complain of a fish odor side effect when taking DMG supplements.
Supplements for Autism Spectrum Disorder
By Jasmin Ilkay, MPH, RD
Today’s Dietitian
Vol. 11 No. 9 P. 8
By Jasmin Ilkay, MPH, RD
Today’s Dietitian
Vol. 11 No. 9 P. 8
Heather Porter clearly remembers the moment when she suspected that her 18-month-old son, Josh, was autistic. A standard developmental screening at her pediatrician’s office made the situation all too clear. “It was like pieces of a puzzle fitting together. I always felt that something was not quite right with my son. Once I realized he displayed signs of autism, I had to act right away,” she explains.
Unfortunately, Porter had to wait months before a team of doctors would agree to diagnose Josh with autism. In the meantime, she did everything she could to minimize the progression of Josh’s autism-related symptoms before doctors could approve him for medical and behavioral therapy.
Immediately, Porter eliminated all gluten and casein from Josh’s diet. Soon thereafter, she took her son to a Defeat Autism Now (DAN) doctor to begin a rigorous treatment plan, including maintenance of a gluten-free, casein-free diet; allergy testing; treatment of intestinal bacterial and/or yeast overgrowth; and nutritional supplementation. DAN is a project of the Autism Research Institute that aims to educate parents and clinicians regarding research, appropriate testing, and safe and effective interventions for autism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 150 children in the United States is affected by autism. One half to three quarters of these children are being treated with complementary alternative therapies, such as elimination diets, immune globulin therapy, chelation therapy, auditory integration training, facilitated communication, and nutritional supplementation.
Myriad nutritional supplements may be included in an autistic child’s course of therapy. Typical supplements include one or more of the following: various vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids (EFAs), glutathione (GSH), digestive enzymes, probiotics, and dimethylglycine (DMG).
Essential Fatty Acids
Supplementation with EFAs has grown in popularity during the past couple of years. Except for presumption of deficiency, the mechanism of action to support EFA supplementation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unclear.1
Supplementation with EFAs has grown in popularity during the past couple of years. Except for presumption of deficiency, the mechanism of action to support EFA supplementation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unclear.1
A systematic review of six peer-reviewed articles in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found insufficient scientific evidence to determine whether omega-3 fatty acid supplements are effective for ASD management.
In 2005, Nordic Naturals, Inc, a supplier of fish oil and EFA nutritional supplements, reported positive results for a pilot trial investigating language and learning skills in children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The three-month study provided 18 children aged 3 to 10 with daily supplemental EFAs. The product, Omega-3.6.9 Junior, is made from purified fish oil (omega-3) and purified borage oil (omega-6). Statistical analysis completed at the University of Arizona demonstrated significant increases in all of the children’s language and learning skills.
Apart from this research, other currently available research suggests that EFA supplementation is not helpful. However, for those who wish to supplement, pharmaceutical-grade EFA supplements appear to be safe when taken at the recommended dose.
Glutathione
GSH is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. As a dietary supplement, it is used as an antioxidant to protect the body from toxins and toxic metals. Supporters of GSH supplementation claim that some children with autism have low levels of active GSH because of a disruption in the transsulfuration metabolic pathway.
GSH is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. As a dietary supplement, it is used as an antioxidant to protect the body from toxins and toxic metals. Supporters of GSH supplementation claim that some children with autism have low levels of active GSH because of a disruption in the transsulfuration metabolic pathway.
Any positive correlations from GSH supplementation come from a handful of case studies and personal testimonials. Despite limited evidence, the inclusion of GSH supplements is popular and deserves more research.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the more important DAN biomedical interventions used today. One thought is that some people with ASD are unable to absorb methylcobalamin B12. According to the United Kingdom-based Web site Researchautism.net, others believe that injecting methyl-B12 can help alleviate some of the defects in the transmethylation system. Supporters of methylcobalamin supplementation believe that this can help reduce some or all of the symptoms of autism.
Vitamin B12 is one of the more important DAN biomedical interventions used today. One thought is that some people with ASD are unable to absorb methylcobalamin B12. According to the United Kingdom-based Web site Researchautism.net, others believe that injecting methyl-B12 can help alleviate some of the defects in the transmethylation system. Supporters of methylcobalamin supplementation believe that this can help reduce some or all of the symptoms of autism.
James A. Neubrander, MD, who is considered the “father” of methyl-B12 treatments for autism, reports that 94% of his patients from a private practice show signs of improvement with methyl-B12 injections. Neubrander reports that one injection given every three days can show results within five weeks.
While DAN doctors include methyl-B12 injections in their treatment plans, the lack of evidence prevents other doctors from doing so. Symptoms of excess B12 are currently unknown. While additional trials with more subjects are required to confirm B12’s success, it remains a popular treatment for ASD.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are used to assist with the digestive process and remove toxic compounds from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.1 They are reported to increase the number of bacteria and enzymes in the GI tract to aid the digestive process. Popular digestive enzymes include papain, pepsin, betaine hydrochloride, and hydrochloric acid. Despite the lack of supportive evidence, enzyme aids or digestive enzymes appear to be used frequently for ASD management.1
Digestive enzymes are used to assist with the digestive process and remove toxic compounds from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.1 They are reported to increase the number of bacteria and enzymes in the GI tract to aid the digestive process. Popular digestive enzymes include papain, pepsin, betaine hydrochloride, and hydrochloric acid. Despite the lack of supportive evidence, enzyme aids or digestive enzymes appear to be used frequently for ASD management.1
Probiotics and Antifungal Agents
Another hypothesis suggests that an overgrowth of candida in the intestine causes some of the symptoms of autism.1 Treatments to minimize yeast overgrowth in the colon include conventional systemic antifungal agents, probiotic agents such as acidophilus and Lactobacillus to alter the bacterial flora of the intestine, and dietary modifications to decrease the substrate for yeast overgrowth.1 While these treatments for ASD remain popular, there are no clinical trials that have been published in peer-reviewed journals validating their use. No negative side effects of probiotic agents or yeast-free diets have been reported, and they remain a popular treatment for autism.
Another hypothesis suggests that an overgrowth of candida in the intestine causes some of the symptoms of autism.1 Treatments to minimize yeast overgrowth in the colon include conventional systemic antifungal agents, probiotic agents such as acidophilus and Lactobacillus to alter the bacterial flora of the intestine, and dietary modifications to decrease the substrate for yeast overgrowth.1 While these treatments for ASD remain popular, there are no clinical trials that have been published in peer-reviewed journals validating their use. No negative side effects of probiotic agents or yeast-free diets have been reported, and they remain a popular treatment for autism.
Dimethylglycine
DMG is a derivative of the amino acid glycine and is found naturally in foods such as beans, cereal grains, and liver. It is also manufactured in the body during the metabolism of choline. The use of DMG to treat autism is controversial, and current research shows mixed results. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies did not demonstrate differences between DMG and a placebo.1 DMG is reportedly nontoxic with no significant adverse effects.
DMG is a derivative of the amino acid glycine and is found naturally in foods such as beans, cereal grains, and liver. It is also manufactured in the body during the metabolism of choline. The use of DMG to treat autism is controversial, and current research shows mixed results. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies did not demonstrate differences between DMG and a placebo.1 DMG is reportedly nontoxic with no significant adverse effects.
Vitamins and Minerals
Some people believe that individuals with ASD do not have enough of the right nutrients or have trouble making use of certain nutrients available to them. They believe that these nutritional deficiencies may cause some of the symptoms of ASD as well. Vitamin and mineral supplements included for general deficiency in some autism treatment plans include vitamins A, B6, C, and D, as well as folate and magnesium.
Some people believe that individuals with ASD do not have enough of the right nutrients or have trouble making use of certain nutrients available to them. They believe that these nutritional deficiencies may cause some of the symptoms of ASD as well. Vitamin and mineral supplements included for general deficiency in some autism treatment plans include vitamins A, B6, C, and D, as well as folate and magnesium.
RDs Can Assist and Support
The National Autistic Society states that many autism interventions have been developed, with various claims of success. While certain interventions are helpful to some individuals, they may not be effective for others. With limited peer research available, time is not on the side of patients with autism.
The National Autistic Society states that many autism interventions have been developed, with various claims of success. While certain interventions are helpful to some individuals, they may not be effective for others. With limited peer research available, time is not on the side of patients with autism.
Regardless of current available research, many parents like Porter decide to act immediately to try to slow down the progression, prevent further autistic symptoms, or even try to cure their children. For this reason, it is imperative that health professionals, including dietitians, are aware of the available biomedical treatments so they can assist and support families who decide to use some of the supplements mentioned.
— Jasmin Ilkay, MPH, RD, is the director of nutrition for Fitwize 4 Kids and a freelance writer who specializes in weight management, sports nutrition, eating disorders, and general nutritional counseling.
Reference
1. Levy SE, Hyman SL. Novel treatment for autism spectrum disorders. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2005;11(2):131-142.
1. Levy SE, Hyman SL. Novel treatment for autism spectrum disorders. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2005;11(2):131-142.
Honey is well-known for its delicious sweet taste and for its many health benefits. However, there is one type of honey that stands out from the rest and that is Manuka honey.
Manuka honey is a unique type of honey and ounce for ounce is much more potent than ‘regular’ honey. In fact, one scientific study found that Manuka honey can kill a wide range of wound pathogens, including those with high levels of innate or acquired antibiotic resistance. This means that Manuka honey might be able to kill more bacteria than available antibiotics.
In this article, I’m going to look at the many health benefits and uses of Manuka honey and explain to you why Manuka honey is so special.
What is Manuka Honey and How it is Produced
Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand where the Manuka bush grows uncultivated. The Manuka bush, is part of the Leptospermum species of shrubs. The honey is produced when bees pollinate the flowers on the Manuka bush.
The reason why Manuka honey is unique is because the bush contains strong antibacterial compounds found mostly in Leptospermum plants1.
Components of Manuka Honey
There are two main components of Manuka honey which give it many health benefits:
- Hydrogen peroxide, a naturally occurring antibiotic that is found in all honey.
- Methylglyoxal (MG). A powerful antibiotic compound which is found in large quantities in Manuka honey.
It is the Methylglyoxal (MG) compound that sets Manuka honey apart from other types of honey. Other types of honey do contain some MG but in much lower quantities. The hydrogen peroxide in honey is not very stable and easily breaks down when exposed to light and heat. MG, on the other hand, is much more stable and doesn’t lose its antibacterial properties.
In order to know the percentage of MG in Manuka honey and, therefore, know its concentration of healing properties, two laboratories in New Zealand carry out independent tests. They establish what is known as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).
What is Unique Manuka Factor (UMF)?
The UMF signifies the antibacterial strength of Manuka honey and is directly related to the amount of MG in the honey, not hydrogen peroxide.
In order to get the health benefits of Manuka honey, you should look for a UMF rating of at least 10+. However, for the best medicinal benefits, you should buy Manuka honey with a UMF of at least 16+.
At this point it is worth noting that some honey is sold as Manuka honey, but only contains a little amount of MG. So, make sure when you buy Manuka honey that it has the UMF trademark on it with the UMF factor. Also, to be classed as Manuka honey, it has to come from New Zealand.
What is MGO?
Sometimes you may see the term MGO used in place of UMF. The MGO rating also indicates the amount of Methylglyoxal in the honey. Therefore, the higher the MGO rating, then the more antibacterial properties are in the honey. An MGO rating of 100+ is the equivalent to UMF 5+ and MGO 550+ is the same as UMF 15+.
Manuka Honey Uses and Health Benefits
Let’s look at the many uses and health benefits of Manuka honey and how it can be used as a natural treatment for many ailments.
1. Manuka honey has strong antibacterial properties
Honey has been used since ancient times as a topical treatment for wounds and other skin infections.
Scientific research into the healing properties of Manuka honey has established that it certainly is a powerful antibacterial agent.
For example, Manuka honey has been shown to have 100 times more MG than other conventional honeys2 and effective against 60 species of bacteria3.
2. Manuka honey for MRSA infection
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bug, which is sometimes known as a hospital super bug. It has developed from the overuse of antibiotics and conventional antibacterial treatments are ineffective.
Research published in The Journal of Applied Bacteriology showed that Manuka honey was able to inhibit the growth of the bacteria that causes the MRSA infection4. In fact, when a higher concentration of Manuka honey was used, it was able to effectively treat the major wound-infecting types of bacteria.
The MRSA bug highlights one problem facing the medical community; bacteria are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics. Professor Cooper from the University of Wales carried out research on how Manuka honey interacts with bacteria. She found that Manuka honey can actually help antibiotics be more effective and even reverse antibiotic resistence5.
3. Manuka honey for strep throat
Strep throat is an infection that manifests in a painful and inflamed throat. The cause of strep throat is bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus.
It’s not just anecdotal evidence that point to the fact that Manuka honey can help soothe a sore throat, research has also shown that it can actually cure a sore throat as it can inhibit the bacteria causing a strep throat6. You can find more natural remedies for strep throat in my previous article.
4. Wound, Burns, and Skin Ulcers
Because of Manuka honey’s powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, it is excellent as a topical treatment for damaged skin and is one of the recommended treatments for minor burns.
Diabetic wounds. Manuka honey can even help people who suffer from diabetic wounds. These wounds are usually much harder to heal because of how diabetes affects the body. In 2014, a study was carried out on how honey can help in healing diabetic wounds. It found that in many cases Manuka honey reduced the healing time and killed the infection in diabetic foot ulcers7.
5. Manuka honey for Stomach Ulcers
One of the causes of stomach ulcers is a certain type of bacteria known as H. Pylori. These bacteria are also responsible for other types of gastric problems. Research has shown that Manuka honey contains compounds which are effective against H. Pylori8. You can find more treatments for H.Pylori in my article on how to treat H. Pylori naturally.
6. Gastric Problems
An imbalance of bacteria in the stomach and intestines and also having low stomach acid can cause various gastric problems like diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. In some cases this is caused by a condition called Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which is an increase in the number of bacteria, and/or changes in the types of bacteria present in the small bowel.
One common factor in these gastric problems is the Clostridium difficile (C. diff), bacteria. However, an interesting study published in 2013 showed that Manuka honey is effective at treating infections caused by C. diff bacteria9.
7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Doctors aren’t completely sure why people suffer from IBS and IBD, however, some point to the fact that it could be related to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut.
In clinical trials onto the effect of Manuka honey and IBD, scientists found that Manuka honey reduced inflammation in the colon10.
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Although no clinical trials have been carried out on Manuka honey and IBS, many people say that it has helped reduce their IBS symptoms. If you suffer from IBS, you can also refer to my article about the best natural treatments to relieve IBS.
8. Gingivitis and Tooth Plaque
The antibacterial properties of Manuka honey have also proven to improve dental health.
For one trial, a special chewable Manuka honey was developed and the participants chewed on this 3 times a day for 10 minutes. After 21 days it was found that there was a reduction in tooth plaque and cases of bleeding gums were reduced by half11.
For more natural remedies for gingivitis and plaque you can read my related articles on how to treat gum infection naturally and how to remove plaque naturally.
9. Cancer
Clinical trials have also shown that Manuka honey has a positive effect in the treatment of various cancer tumors. The honey was effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and also proved to increase the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments12.
10. Manuka honey for shingles
Because Manuka honey is an effective antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory topical treatment for skin problems, it is also excellent for treating shingles.
One study showed that both Manuka and clover honey, were able to treat the virus that causes shingles13. For more information on that study, you can read my article on how to treat shingles with Manuka and clover honey.
It is clear that Manuka honey has many health benefits when it comes to treating conditions that are caused by inflammation and bacterial infections.
Manuka Honey – Precautions
There are a few precautions with Manuka honey for treating various ailments and health conditions. Any kind of honey isn’t suitable for babies under 12 months of age because it is a known source of the bacteria spores that cause botulism. Also, if you have an allergic reaction to pollen, or other bee-related allergies, then honey can cause allergic reaction.14
Read my other related articles:
1. How to Combine Honey and Cinnamon for Great Health
2. Golden Honey Mixture – The Strongest Natural Antibiotic
3. 16 Proven Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Resources:1. How to Combine Honey and Cinnamon for Great Health
2. Golden Honey Mixture – The Strongest Natural Antibiotic
3. 16 Proven Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065476/
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18210383
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1447054/
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412201713.htm
6. http://mic.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/micro/10.1099/mic.0.053959-0
7. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2014/169130/
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297341/pdf/jrsocmed00006-0059a.pdf
9. http://bmcresnotes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-0500-6-188
10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18688794
11. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/15125017
12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3567021/
13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3401066/
14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1590566
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18210383
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1447054/
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412201713.htm
6. http://mic.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/micro/10.1099/mic.0.053959-0
7. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2014/169130/
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297341/pdf/jrsocmed00006-0059a.pdf
9. http://bmcresnotes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-0500-6-188
10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18688794
11. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/15125017
12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3567021/
13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3401066/
14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1590566