Autism and Transfer Factor
Transfer Factor is a part of the DAN Protocol recommendations. Read More about the DAN protocol and how transfer factor can help.
For the parents that have followed the "Defeat Autism Now!" protocol faithfully, in almost its entirety, their children have made great gains. It has been reported that a fifteen- year old non-verbal male started speaking after correcting some of the biochemical abnormalities. Another eighteen- year old young lady started speaking for the first time after her biochemical abnormalities were regulated. There is now a protocol that is so effective that it is claiming 85 percent improvement! When you balance your child biochemically, all the other therapies work so much more easily, whether it's Applied Behavior Analysis (A.B.A.), Occupational Therapy (O.T.), Speech Therapy, etc. The child is happier, calmer and more focused. Very often, the child starts to retain what he is taught. One child even lost his "stim" behaviors after chelation. There is now some evidence that the gains made from ABA are not sustained as the years go by. It is believed that if the biochemical problems are not corrected, the toxins will eventually take away the gains one makes with the other therapies in many cases. There are no promises, but if you don't try, you'll never know how far your child can go!
In both Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, the sages believed that there were only two ways to health: one was to correct deficiencies; the other was to get rid of toxicities.
In Autism, the toxicities often are:
Mercury (and other heavy metals). Most Autistic children, genetically, cannot detoxify well. So when these heavy metals accumulate from vaccines in the form of Thimersol, (a preservative), in dental amalgams, in utero, from the mother's blood, seafood, water, etc., these children run into more trouble. Mercury toxicity creates a clinical picture very similar to Autism, even in adults.
Mercury binds to sulfur in cysteine, an amino acid present in many enzymes. There is solid evidence that one of these enzymes shuttles the innocent immune stem cells into the pathway Th1. In the absence of this enzyme, these cells get shuttled into the pathway Th2. The pathway Th1 converts the immune cells to fight viruses and yeasts. The pathway Th2 converts the immune cells to cause food allergies, asthma, eczema, and autoimmune diseases. Which pathway do you prefer? That is why, in Autistic kids, many have food intolerances and high yeast overgrowth. It might also be why many people believe that the predisposed infant cannot fight the measles virus in the MMR vaccine and ends up with Autism, days, weeks or months after the MMR vaccine (www.909shot.com) Evaluation and chelation (removal) of mercury and other heavy metals is a must. If the child has mercury dental amalgams, they must be removed ASAP!
An important finding is that about 85 percent of Autistic kids are high in Copper and low in Zinc. Furthermore, these kids are very low in an important protein call Metallothionein, or MT Protein. This MT Protein acts as a magnet to Mercury and protects the Autistic individual from further harm caused by mercury, among other important functions. This protocol claims that even older Autistic individuals can be helped, that great gains could still occur. Very often, parents of older Autistic children despair because it seems that there is nothing that can help these children. It seems that this particular protocol can help! Still, generally, the younger the child, the faster and more the improvements are. Also, the sooner that the casein and gluten free diets are started, the faster the progress is.
Food intolerances - because of toxins, maldigestion and abnormal gut flora, Autistic children develop the "leaky-gut" syndrome. Chains of amino acids (peptides) that are not supposed to leak through the bowel membranes into the bloodstream, do. This, in turn, sensitizes the body to these foods. Also, these peptides mimic eurotransmitters, so that they bind up the normal neurotransmitter receptor sites, affecting the development and function of the brain, adversely (This problem is metabolic and not just immunologic). The most common allergens and peptide sources are: casein (all dairy products), gluten (in wheat, barley, rye, oats), soy, and corn. Please note that eating one crouton is as bad as eating a whole loaf of bread. It has to be 99-100% avoidance. There are many hidden sources of gluten and casein. For instance, it is reported that McDonald's French fries are coated with gluten to keep the fries from clumping together, and yet this gluten does not show up in their product list.
A good resource is the Feingold diet. Also check on the websites that are in this synopsis. Again, just because your child does not go berserk after casein or gluten, it does not mean that they are O.K. with these substances; there is the problem of delayed hypersensitivities that symptoms do not show up until days later. Also, the byproducts of casein and gluten are toxic to the brain and will prevent your child from recovering as far as he or she should. Many Defeat Autism Now! Doctors would not even enter a treatment agreement with you unless you agree to be serious about this diet! I know how hard this diet is; I have been on this diet, too for my fibromyalgia!
Yeast - because of the reasons mentioned previously, overgrowth of yeast happens in the majority of these kids. The byproducts of yeast overgrowth are toxic to the Autistic child. One must control yeast by diet (there are many books on yeast-free diets), anti-yeast medications (Diflucan, Nystatin, etc.) and pro-biotics (different strains of lactobacilli - some are tougher than others; some do not survive in the hostile environment of the gut). Remember that a normal IgG or IgM antibody test against Candida is not indicative of having no problems with yeast. The IgA test is the important one to see if there is yeast in the gut. There are excellent books on yeast-free diets. Most importantly, avoid sugar-laden foods!
In Autism, many children are picky eaters. Even if they are not, they often lack necessary enzymes and liver function to digest and absorb properly.
AUTISTIC CHILDREN HAVE DEFICIENCIES IN THE FOLLOWING:
Vitamins, Essential fatty acids, Amino acids, Minerals, Enzymes and co-enzymes
Supplements for Autism
Included are brand names with the supplements, to be helpful and help identify some of the best quality brands. If you are obtaining your supplements from other sources, make sure that they are casein and gluten free and please please please pay attention to the quality and types of various nutrients in your supplements…if you have not educated yourself about why certain forms are best then it is best to stick to the recommended brands until you have had the time to educate yourself about it and/or unless your bioprofile analysis shows differently.. They should be artificial sweetner free and dye free as well. Different children will have different needs. You will have to experiment with what works best with your child. Testing right away can help you narrow down the most important things for your child.
This list of supplements works well for many Autistic children. The most important fact to remember is that different Autistic kids responds to different treatments, our job is finding the treatment that makes a big difference!
FOUNDATIONAL SUPPLEMENTS (basically needed for all autistic people):
Transfer Factor: This is the first substance that makes a substantial difference in having a lot of autistic children become more sociable, co-operative, calm, having great eye-contact and more speech. Transfer factor is extracted from colostrum and chicken eggs. It can be given by injection or orally. A lot of people notice a difference in less than a week or two. Transfer factor also improves the environment in the gut. Whether it is from vaccine damage or not, children with autism experience inflammation of the gut and Transfer Factor helps reverse this dramatically. With everything these kids go through their immune systems are very overburdened and operate in primarily a TH2 state (promotes allergies, asthma, autoimmune etc.) and Transfer Factor educates and supports the immune system to work properly balancing TH1 and TH2 giving their bodies the support it needs and thus enhances and allows everything else you do to work properly and better!
4Life makes the best non-specific transfer factor available. You can order Here.
Contact me with any questions about ordering
You start with 1 capsule 2x 1 day, then 3x 1 day, increasing up to 3 capsules 3x/day
Dr. Peter Bock had the kids maintain this dosage for 3 months, then backed off to 1 capsule, 3x/day for maintenance.
Vitamin/Mineral Supplement -Making sure they get the nutrients they need is of course important. DANplex (Phone: 1-800-792-6670). This is a vitamin/mineral/amino acid nutritional supplement, compounded by Hopewell Pharmacy. There is also a good tasting multi-nutrient -NSI Synergy PediaPower Children's Chewable Multi- Vitamin with Iron from vitacost.com
Cod Liver Oil It is important not only for the EPA and DHA but the vitamin A (the "cis" form) from cod liver oil. It turns out that most of the vitamin A (including vitamin A from beta-carotene), is in the "trans" form, a form that we cannot utilize. The "cis" and "trans" forms are mirror images of each other; the "cis" form works better on the human body. Also a good source of Vit D for those in colder climates and those who are not in the sun enough in winter since vit D is very important.
Recommended high vitamin cod liver oil brands are Garden of Life Old World Icelandic Cod Liver Oil and
Dr. Ron’s High Vitamin Old Fashioned Blue Ice Pure Cod Liver Oil
EFA’s -- Other important EFA’s include CLA and GLA. Personally, I alternate a EFA supplement with these and Cod Liver Oil with my kids every other day to make sure they are getting these too.
4Life makes a very good comprehensive blend -- Order Here
Please contact me with any questions about ordering.
Digestive Enzymes: These help to break down the foods that the kids eat, into absorbable components. Most of the kids have very poor digestion.
4Life Enzy-Rite contains 4Life’s exclusive NDS Enzyme Blend is a great blend and can be opened up and sprinkled on food or mixed into drinks for kids--- Order Here
contact me with any questions about ordering
Enzymedica enzymes have an effervescent drink form for children who have a hard time with pills and do not want to blend opened capsules into food.
Probiotics: This is to supply the body with "good" bacteria to keep down the yeast growth and to acquire many other health benefits from them. This is well explained in Dr. Sidney Baker's book. Remember, some lactobacilli do not survive the hostile environment of the unfriendly pH's in these children's intestines.
4Life Probiotics -- These are very good, gauranteed potency that are shelf stable (require no refrigeration. Order Here
Contact me with any questions.
Jarrow has good probiotics and has some great powder and chewable blends for children who cant swallow pills. Just be careful where you order from because they do need refrigeration to remain viable.
Cuturelle has a good reputation for probiotics. Many health food stores carry it.
Fiber: Arabinogalactan (blends) or psyllium powder blends. This is important for the health of the intestines as well as the survival of the lactobacilli.
Mineral Supplements
Multi-Mineral and Trace minerals
Mineral supplementation is a must during chelation on the "off" days. Extra Calcium and magnesium is helpful.
It is also a good idea to add extra Zinc, as this mineral seems to be deficient in most Autistic kids. Zinc must be taken on an empty stomach, at bedtime, for best absorption.
OTHER HELPFUL SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAY BE NEEDED
Glyconutrients -- Aloe Vera -- Aloe is a good source of glyconutrients It contains mannose, galactose and arabinose. The leaves of this plant are extremely rich in polysaccharides (long-chain sugars) that give aloe its healing and anti-infection properties when used both externally and internally. Its mannose content is what makes aloe a superior immune booster.” It also helps reduce inflammation in the intestines.
4Life makes a great aloe processed to protect all the important health giving components --
Order Here
please Contact Me with any questions
And of course you can always grow your own Aloe plant. Just be sure to only eat the gel on the inside and do not eat the green and yellow outer layer.
Free Amino Acids - Since many autistic children have trouble breaking down protein supplementing with free amino acids is often necessary at least initially.
NutriCology Free Aminos
TMG -trimethylglycine -- Impairment of methylation results in abnormal cell synthesis and elevated levels of homocysteine. TMG can help reduce homocysteine and protect cells.
Jarrow make a TMG in crystalline form so it easily mixes into a drink
NAC N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine --- NAC is a precursor to glutathione, which is important for detoxification.
D.M.G.
This helped 40% of the Autistic kids in Dr. Rimland's study. You may need higher doses than you think in order to have a great effect.
FoodScience of Vermont Liquid DMG
Sphingolin
Ecological Formulas makes this. Many Autistic children have anti-myelin antibodies. You can do a specific blood test for this or just give a trial of this supplement. It is inexpensive and has no side effects that we know of, at the proper dosage. The dose is a half a capsule a day, regardless of the child's size. Please note that you should not be on Sphingolin and Secretin at the same time.
Secretin This substance is helping a lot of Autistic kids, but not as many as originally thought. It is available in I.V., oral and skin patch forms. Again there is controversy as to whether the latter two forms work.
I.V. Glutathione: There have been some benefits with this therapy as far as calmness and getting rid of "tics" are concerned, as well as some acceleration in cognitive abilities. Of course, Glutathione is also available in oral and topical forms.
Metallothionein Promotion Therapy: This seems like a really exciting therapy with promising results as mentioned earlier in this synopsis. There is basically 2 phases to this protocol. The first phase is to increase the zinc and to decrease the copper. The second phase is to give the body the amino acids necessary to build the MT Protein. The MT Protein will then help the body heal and catch up in the necessary areas. Taurine interferes with Zinc absorption, so no Taurine on the days of Zinc Therapy.
A very exciting area is being researched at Harvard Mass. General Hospital where hundreds of Autistic kids are being endoscoped by Dr. Tim Buie. The findings are, that even in the absence of G.I. symptoms, there is inflammation of the gut. When the gut is given the appropriate therapies to heal, the Autistic symptoms greatly recede.
Please remember that, if you introduce your child to a new supplement, it is not unusual for the child to experience some adverse effects for a short while. These effects may include hyperactivity, skin rashes and behavioral regressions. When this happens, it does not necessarily mean that you should discontinue the supplement, unless the adverse effects are dangerous, or persistent. Usually these side effects wear off in a few days. Please remember to start with low dose and work up. If there are adverse effects, stay at this dose until the adverse effects are gone, then proceed to a slightly higher dose, etc. Your child might become hyperactive for a few days, when first starting most of these supplements. In addition, you may not see the beneficial effects of these supplements for a period of time. Also remember that just because a therapy did not work before, it does not mean that you should not re-visit that therapy at a later time, for instance, after you clean up the gut problem. Please consult your doctor about any adverse effects that persist or cause concern.
TESTS NECESSARY TO DETERMINE TOXICITIES AND DEFICIENCIES
Hair analysis: The absence of mercury, in this test, does not indicate that your child's mercury level is normal. If you cannot detoxify Mercury, it will not show up excreted in your hair. Watch for elevated antimony, which can also be a problem for Autistics. Lead often shows up high in this test.
Elemental analysis: This test would show mineral deficiencies, as well as high levels of metals.
24-hour urine elemental analysis: If this test is negative, it does not mean that the mercury is not high. In many cases, one would have to use a chelating agent to do a challenge test. In the challenge test, the chelating agent moves the mercury from the intracellular space into the extracellular space, so that it can be measured. If your child is not toilet-trained, you might want to do a 6-hour or 12-hour urine test, instead.
Plasma amino acids: These kids cannot digest well because of poor pancreatic and/or liver, biliary function. Often amino acid supplementation helps mental function. Many key enzymes cannot be produced in amino acid deficiencies. The 24-hour urinary amino acid works better than the plasma amino acid if your child is toilet-trained.
C.D.S.A. (Comprehensive digestive stool analysis): A lot of autistic children show very poor ability to absorb fat, hence, can be very deficient in vitamins A, D, E and beta-carotene. This test indicates what is happening to digestion and absorption. It would tell you how to repair the bowel condition and what is needed to help digestion.
Anti-Candida Antibody Test - IgA, IgG, IgM: You need to monitor the yeast level every two or three years after treatment, as recurrence often happens, especially when you are chelating.
Food allergy test - IgE, IgG: In food allergies, the IgE mediated response is obvious - you get an immediate reaction like hives, itchy eyes or difficulty with breathing. With the IgG mediated response, it's a delayed reaction, so that you may not even get the stuffy nose or headache until three days later. Please note that food allergens change, so that it is a good idea to repeat this test every year or two. The food allergens act as toxins and would interfere with your child's mental functioning, etc. For instance, one child became toilet-trained, two weeks after the allergens were removed. (ImmunoLab does a good job on this test).
CBC and Differential, CHEM 25: This is just to make sure that the blood count is normal and that the liver and kidneys are working well enough to chelate, if necessary.
Serum ceruloplasmin and copper that need to be tested in acid etched test-tubes and plasma Zinc done in EDTA test-tubes- this is done before and after Zinc loading before the actual Metallothionein Promotion takes place.
All these tests are available through Great Smokies Lab, 1-800-522-4762, (except the anti-Candida antibody - that is from ImmunoSciences Lab). Test # 8 can be done in any lab at all. Your doctor can also consult a Great Smokies staff doctor to go over all the results and recommendations, once the results are back. Dr. Pangborn is one of the world's geniuses in Biochemistry; he consults for Great Smokies.
The other labs that are also excellent for these tests are:
Biocentre Lab
1-800-494-7785
ImmunoLab
1-800-231-9197
Immunosciences
1-800-950-4686
Meridian Valley Lab
1-253-859-8700
Metametrix
1-800-221-4640
Dr.'s Data Lab
1-800-323-2784
Please note that only your doctor can order test kits from these labs.
USEFUL RESOURCES:
Dr. Sidney Baker's Book, "Detoxification and Healing" ISBN 0-87983-709-8 Publisher: Keats Publishing Inc. This book is easy to read and is very important to understanding Autism, or how to stay healthy yourself.
Defeat Autism Now! Protocol: $25.00 Explanation of all of this material, more accurately and more scientifically. Phone: 619-281-7165 (Autism Research Institute). www.autism.com/ari
"Children with Starving Brains", by Jacquelyn McCandless M.D. A book that every Autistic child's parent should read and study ISBN 1-883647-09-6. It is a well-written book on the Defeat Autism Now! protocol.
GENERAL POINTERS TO CHELATION
Make sure your child is balanced nutritionally - i.e. amino acids, vitamins, minerals etc., before chelation. If the child is very out of balance, chelation may lead to seizures (especially if the child is low in magnesium or taurine)
Do not take mineral supplements on the days of chelation, but make sure you do take them on "off" days. Even though the agents are not supposed to affect calcium and magnesium, I found that taking extra amounts of these reduces the muscle twitching and headaches. The revision in the chelation protocol advises us to take some Zinc and some selenium even on the days of chelation. We find that doing this helps cut down the irritability by quite a bit.
In dosing of the DMSA or DMPS, chelating agents, remember to remind your doctor, to "go low" and to "go slow"!
Make sure you have a knowledgeable doctor supervising the chelation - what blood parameters to monitor etc. Dr. Rimland's institute, Autism Research Institute, has a list of doctors who are familiar with the Defeat Autism Now! protocol.
There are three agents for chelation of mercury:
DMPS (Heyl is the purest brand) oral, I.V. or I.M.
DMSA (Chemet, Succimer). (Kirkman makes a very palatable form) oral.
DMSA with ALA (alpha lipoic acid) oral.
Allithiamine- this is a mild chelator and is used as a cream on the soles of the feet. The advantage of this treatment is that you don't end up with so many problems with over-growth of yeast and different bacteria as you do with DMSA or DMPS.
There are many chelation protocols, please consult either the web site of the Autism Research Institute www.autism.com/ari. Most chelation is done orally; some doctors implement the oral chelation with I.M. shots of DMPS.
Please note that most of the information from this Defeat Autism Now! Conference (including the Autistic child's underlying inability to detoxify, deficiency states and toxicity and the treatments as discussed), is not yet widely accepted by the medical profession. The conventional medical community takes a very long time to embrace and accept new ideas. Don't be surprised if your doctor regards this information with skepticism. You may need to find a Defeat Autism Now! Doctor (see # 4 above) or a doctor who is open-minded enough to supervise the testing and treatment with you.
Transfer Factor is a part of the DAN Protocol recommendations. Read More about the DAN protocol and how transfer factor can help.
For the parents that have followed the "Defeat Autism Now!" protocol faithfully, in almost its entirety, their children have made great gains. It has been reported that a fifteen- year old non-verbal male started speaking after correcting some of the biochemical abnormalities. Another eighteen- year old young lady started speaking for the first time after her biochemical abnormalities were regulated. There is now a protocol that is so effective that it is claiming 85 percent improvement! When you balance your child biochemically, all the other therapies work so much more easily, whether it's Applied Behavior Analysis (A.B.A.), Occupational Therapy (O.T.), Speech Therapy, etc. The child is happier, calmer and more focused. Very often, the child starts to retain what he is taught. One child even lost his "stim" behaviors after chelation. There is now some evidence that the gains made from ABA are not sustained as the years go by. It is believed that if the biochemical problems are not corrected, the toxins will eventually take away the gains one makes with the other therapies in many cases. There are no promises, but if you don't try, you'll never know how far your child can go!
In both Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, the sages believed that there were only two ways to health: one was to correct deficiencies; the other was to get rid of toxicities.
In Autism, the toxicities often are:
Mercury (and other heavy metals). Most Autistic children, genetically, cannot detoxify well. So when these heavy metals accumulate from vaccines in the form of Thimersol, (a preservative), in dental amalgams, in utero, from the mother's blood, seafood, water, etc., these children run into more trouble. Mercury toxicity creates a clinical picture very similar to Autism, even in adults.
Mercury binds to sulfur in cysteine, an amino acid present in many enzymes. There is solid evidence that one of these enzymes shuttles the innocent immune stem cells into the pathway Th1. In the absence of this enzyme, these cells get shuttled into the pathway Th2. The pathway Th1 converts the immune cells to fight viruses and yeasts. The pathway Th2 converts the immune cells to cause food allergies, asthma, eczema, and autoimmune diseases. Which pathway do you prefer? That is why, in Autistic kids, many have food intolerances and high yeast overgrowth. It might also be why many people believe that the predisposed infant cannot fight the measles virus in the MMR vaccine and ends up with Autism, days, weeks or months after the MMR vaccine (www.909shot.com) Evaluation and chelation (removal) of mercury and other heavy metals is a must. If the child has mercury dental amalgams, they must be removed ASAP!
An important finding is that about 85 percent of Autistic kids are high in Copper and low in Zinc. Furthermore, these kids are very low in an important protein call Metallothionein, or MT Protein. This MT Protein acts as a magnet to Mercury and protects the Autistic individual from further harm caused by mercury, among other important functions. This protocol claims that even older Autistic individuals can be helped, that great gains could still occur. Very often, parents of older Autistic children despair because it seems that there is nothing that can help these children. It seems that this particular protocol can help! Still, generally, the younger the child, the faster and more the improvements are. Also, the sooner that the casein and gluten free diets are started, the faster the progress is.
Food intolerances - because of toxins, maldigestion and abnormal gut flora, Autistic children develop the "leaky-gut" syndrome. Chains of amino acids (peptides) that are not supposed to leak through the bowel membranes into the bloodstream, do. This, in turn, sensitizes the body to these foods. Also, these peptides mimic eurotransmitters, so that they bind up the normal neurotransmitter receptor sites, affecting the development and function of the brain, adversely (This problem is metabolic and not just immunologic). The most common allergens and peptide sources are: casein (all dairy products), gluten (in wheat, barley, rye, oats), soy, and corn. Please note that eating one crouton is as bad as eating a whole loaf of bread. It has to be 99-100% avoidance. There are many hidden sources of gluten and casein. For instance, it is reported that McDonald's French fries are coated with gluten to keep the fries from clumping together, and yet this gluten does not show up in their product list.
A good resource is the Feingold diet. Also check on the websites that are in this synopsis. Again, just because your child does not go berserk after casein or gluten, it does not mean that they are O.K. with these substances; there is the problem of delayed hypersensitivities that symptoms do not show up until days later. Also, the byproducts of casein and gluten are toxic to the brain and will prevent your child from recovering as far as he or she should. Many Defeat Autism Now! Doctors would not even enter a treatment agreement with you unless you agree to be serious about this diet! I know how hard this diet is; I have been on this diet, too for my fibromyalgia!
Yeast - because of the reasons mentioned previously, overgrowth of yeast happens in the majority of these kids. The byproducts of yeast overgrowth are toxic to the Autistic child. One must control yeast by diet (there are many books on yeast-free diets), anti-yeast medications (Diflucan, Nystatin, etc.) and pro-biotics (different strains of lactobacilli - some are tougher than others; some do not survive in the hostile environment of the gut). Remember that a normal IgG or IgM antibody test against Candida is not indicative of having no problems with yeast. The IgA test is the important one to see if there is yeast in the gut. There are excellent books on yeast-free diets. Most importantly, avoid sugar-laden foods!
In Autism, many children are picky eaters. Even if they are not, they often lack necessary enzymes and liver function to digest and absorb properly.
AUTISTIC CHILDREN HAVE DEFICIENCIES IN THE FOLLOWING:
Vitamins, Essential fatty acids, Amino acids, Minerals, Enzymes and co-enzymes
Supplements for Autism
Included are brand names with the supplements, to be helpful and help identify some of the best quality brands. If you are obtaining your supplements from other sources, make sure that they are casein and gluten free and please please please pay attention to the quality and types of various nutrients in your supplements…if you have not educated yourself about why certain forms are best then it is best to stick to the recommended brands until you have had the time to educate yourself about it and/or unless your bioprofile analysis shows differently.. They should be artificial sweetner free and dye free as well. Different children will have different needs. You will have to experiment with what works best with your child. Testing right away can help you narrow down the most important things for your child.
This list of supplements works well for many Autistic children. The most important fact to remember is that different Autistic kids responds to different treatments, our job is finding the treatment that makes a big difference!
FOUNDATIONAL SUPPLEMENTS (basically needed for all autistic people):
Transfer Factor: This is the first substance that makes a substantial difference in having a lot of autistic children become more sociable, co-operative, calm, having great eye-contact and more speech. Transfer factor is extracted from colostrum and chicken eggs. It can be given by injection or orally. A lot of people notice a difference in less than a week or two. Transfer factor also improves the environment in the gut. Whether it is from vaccine damage or not, children with autism experience inflammation of the gut and Transfer Factor helps reverse this dramatically. With everything these kids go through their immune systems are very overburdened and operate in primarily a TH2 state (promotes allergies, asthma, autoimmune etc.) and Transfer Factor educates and supports the immune system to work properly balancing TH1 and TH2 giving their bodies the support it needs and thus enhances and allows everything else you do to work properly and better!
4Life makes the best non-specific transfer factor available. You can order Here.
Contact me with any questions about ordering
You start with 1 capsule 2x 1 day, then 3x 1 day, increasing up to 3 capsules 3x/day
Dr. Peter Bock had the kids maintain this dosage for 3 months, then backed off to 1 capsule, 3x/day for maintenance.
Vitamin/Mineral Supplement -Making sure they get the nutrients they need is of course important. DANplex (Phone: 1-800-792-6670). This is a vitamin/mineral/amino acid nutritional supplement, compounded by Hopewell Pharmacy. There is also a good tasting multi-nutrient -NSI Synergy PediaPower Children's Chewable Multi- Vitamin with Iron from vitacost.com
Cod Liver Oil It is important not only for the EPA and DHA but the vitamin A (the "cis" form) from cod liver oil. It turns out that most of the vitamin A (including vitamin A from beta-carotene), is in the "trans" form, a form that we cannot utilize. The "cis" and "trans" forms are mirror images of each other; the "cis" form works better on the human body. Also a good source of Vit D for those in colder climates and those who are not in the sun enough in winter since vit D is very important.
Recommended high vitamin cod liver oil brands are Garden of Life Old World Icelandic Cod Liver Oil and
Dr. Ron’s High Vitamin Old Fashioned Blue Ice Pure Cod Liver Oil
EFA’s -- Other important EFA’s include CLA and GLA. Personally, I alternate a EFA supplement with these and Cod Liver Oil with my kids every other day to make sure they are getting these too.
4Life makes a very good comprehensive blend -- Order Here
Please contact me with any questions about ordering.
Digestive Enzymes: These help to break down the foods that the kids eat, into absorbable components. Most of the kids have very poor digestion.
4Life Enzy-Rite contains 4Life’s exclusive NDS Enzyme Blend is a great blend and can be opened up and sprinkled on food or mixed into drinks for kids--- Order Here
contact me with any questions about ordering
Enzymedica enzymes have an effervescent drink form for children who have a hard time with pills and do not want to blend opened capsules into food.
Probiotics: This is to supply the body with "good" bacteria to keep down the yeast growth and to acquire many other health benefits from them. This is well explained in Dr. Sidney Baker's book. Remember, some lactobacilli do not survive the hostile environment of the unfriendly pH's in these children's intestines.
4Life Probiotics -- These are very good, gauranteed potency that are shelf stable (require no refrigeration. Order Here
Contact me with any questions.
Jarrow has good probiotics and has some great powder and chewable blends for children who cant swallow pills. Just be careful where you order from because they do need refrigeration to remain viable.
Cuturelle has a good reputation for probiotics. Many health food stores carry it.
Fiber: Arabinogalactan (blends) or psyllium powder blends. This is important for the health of the intestines as well as the survival of the lactobacilli.
Mineral Supplements
Multi-Mineral and Trace minerals
Mineral supplementation is a must during chelation on the "off" days. Extra Calcium and magnesium is helpful.
It is also a good idea to add extra Zinc, as this mineral seems to be deficient in most Autistic kids. Zinc must be taken on an empty stomach, at bedtime, for best absorption.
OTHER HELPFUL SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAY BE NEEDED
Glyconutrients -- Aloe Vera -- Aloe is a good source of glyconutrients It contains mannose, galactose and arabinose. The leaves of this plant are extremely rich in polysaccharides (long-chain sugars) that give aloe its healing and anti-infection properties when used both externally and internally. Its mannose content is what makes aloe a superior immune booster.” It also helps reduce inflammation in the intestines.
4Life makes a great aloe processed to protect all the important health giving components --
Order Here
please Contact Me with any questions
And of course you can always grow your own Aloe plant. Just be sure to only eat the gel on the inside and do not eat the green and yellow outer layer.
Free Amino Acids - Since many autistic children have trouble breaking down protein supplementing with free amino acids is often necessary at least initially.
NutriCology Free Aminos
TMG -trimethylglycine -- Impairment of methylation results in abnormal cell synthesis and elevated levels of homocysteine. TMG can help reduce homocysteine and protect cells.
Jarrow make a TMG in crystalline form so it easily mixes into a drink
NAC N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine --- NAC is a precursor to glutathione, which is important for detoxification.
D.M.G.
This helped 40% of the Autistic kids in Dr. Rimland's study. You may need higher doses than you think in order to have a great effect.
FoodScience of Vermont Liquid DMG
Sphingolin
Ecological Formulas makes this. Many Autistic children have anti-myelin antibodies. You can do a specific blood test for this or just give a trial of this supplement. It is inexpensive and has no side effects that we know of, at the proper dosage. The dose is a half a capsule a day, regardless of the child's size. Please note that you should not be on Sphingolin and Secretin at the same time.
Secretin This substance is helping a lot of Autistic kids, but not as many as originally thought. It is available in I.V., oral and skin patch forms. Again there is controversy as to whether the latter two forms work.
I.V. Glutathione: There have been some benefits with this therapy as far as calmness and getting rid of "tics" are concerned, as well as some acceleration in cognitive abilities. Of course, Glutathione is also available in oral and topical forms.
Metallothionein Promotion Therapy: This seems like a really exciting therapy with promising results as mentioned earlier in this synopsis. There is basically 2 phases to this protocol. The first phase is to increase the zinc and to decrease the copper. The second phase is to give the body the amino acids necessary to build the MT Protein. The MT Protein will then help the body heal and catch up in the necessary areas. Taurine interferes with Zinc absorption, so no Taurine on the days of Zinc Therapy.
A very exciting area is being researched at Harvard Mass. General Hospital where hundreds of Autistic kids are being endoscoped by Dr. Tim Buie. The findings are, that even in the absence of G.I. symptoms, there is inflammation of the gut. When the gut is given the appropriate therapies to heal, the Autistic symptoms greatly recede.
Please remember that, if you introduce your child to a new supplement, it is not unusual for the child to experience some adverse effects for a short while. These effects may include hyperactivity, skin rashes and behavioral regressions. When this happens, it does not necessarily mean that you should discontinue the supplement, unless the adverse effects are dangerous, or persistent. Usually these side effects wear off in a few days. Please remember to start with low dose and work up. If there are adverse effects, stay at this dose until the adverse effects are gone, then proceed to a slightly higher dose, etc. Your child might become hyperactive for a few days, when first starting most of these supplements. In addition, you may not see the beneficial effects of these supplements for a period of time. Also remember that just because a therapy did not work before, it does not mean that you should not re-visit that therapy at a later time, for instance, after you clean up the gut problem. Please consult your doctor about any adverse effects that persist or cause concern.
TESTS NECESSARY TO DETERMINE TOXICITIES AND DEFICIENCIES
Hair analysis: The absence of mercury, in this test, does not indicate that your child's mercury level is normal. If you cannot detoxify Mercury, it will not show up excreted in your hair. Watch for elevated antimony, which can also be a problem for Autistics. Lead often shows up high in this test.
Elemental analysis: This test would show mineral deficiencies, as well as high levels of metals.
24-hour urine elemental analysis: If this test is negative, it does not mean that the mercury is not high. In many cases, one would have to use a chelating agent to do a challenge test. In the challenge test, the chelating agent moves the mercury from the intracellular space into the extracellular space, so that it can be measured. If your child is not toilet-trained, you might want to do a 6-hour or 12-hour urine test, instead.
Plasma amino acids: These kids cannot digest well because of poor pancreatic and/or liver, biliary function. Often amino acid supplementation helps mental function. Many key enzymes cannot be produced in amino acid deficiencies. The 24-hour urinary amino acid works better than the plasma amino acid if your child is toilet-trained.
C.D.S.A. (Comprehensive digestive stool analysis): A lot of autistic children show very poor ability to absorb fat, hence, can be very deficient in vitamins A, D, E and beta-carotene. This test indicates what is happening to digestion and absorption. It would tell you how to repair the bowel condition and what is needed to help digestion.
Anti-Candida Antibody Test - IgA, IgG, IgM: You need to monitor the yeast level every two or three years after treatment, as recurrence often happens, especially when you are chelating.
Food allergy test - IgE, IgG: In food allergies, the IgE mediated response is obvious - you get an immediate reaction like hives, itchy eyes or difficulty with breathing. With the IgG mediated response, it's a delayed reaction, so that you may not even get the stuffy nose or headache until three days later. Please note that food allergens change, so that it is a good idea to repeat this test every year or two. The food allergens act as toxins and would interfere with your child's mental functioning, etc. For instance, one child became toilet-trained, two weeks after the allergens were removed. (ImmunoLab does a good job on this test).
CBC and Differential, CHEM 25: This is just to make sure that the blood count is normal and that the liver and kidneys are working well enough to chelate, if necessary.
Serum ceruloplasmin and copper that need to be tested in acid etched test-tubes and plasma Zinc done in EDTA test-tubes- this is done before and after Zinc loading before the actual Metallothionein Promotion takes place.
All these tests are available through Great Smokies Lab, 1-800-522-4762, (except the anti-Candida antibody - that is from ImmunoSciences Lab). Test # 8 can be done in any lab at all. Your doctor can also consult a Great Smokies staff doctor to go over all the results and recommendations, once the results are back. Dr. Pangborn is one of the world's geniuses in Biochemistry; he consults for Great Smokies.
The other labs that are also excellent for these tests are:
Biocentre Lab
1-800-494-7785
ImmunoLab
1-800-231-9197
Immunosciences
1-800-950-4686
Meridian Valley Lab
1-253-859-8700
Metametrix
1-800-221-4640
Dr.'s Data Lab
1-800-323-2784
Please note that only your doctor can order test kits from these labs.
USEFUL RESOURCES:
Dr. Sidney Baker's Book, "Detoxification and Healing" ISBN 0-87983-709-8 Publisher: Keats Publishing Inc. This book is easy to read and is very important to understanding Autism, or how to stay healthy yourself.
Defeat Autism Now! Protocol: $25.00 Explanation of all of this material, more accurately and more scientifically. Phone: 619-281-7165 (Autism Research Institute). www.autism.com/ari
"Children with Starving Brains", by Jacquelyn McCandless M.D. A book that every Autistic child's parent should read and study ISBN 1-883647-09-6. It is a well-written book on the Defeat Autism Now! protocol.
GENERAL POINTERS TO CHELATION
Make sure your child is balanced nutritionally - i.e. amino acids, vitamins, minerals etc., before chelation. If the child is very out of balance, chelation may lead to seizures (especially if the child is low in magnesium or taurine)
Do not take mineral supplements on the days of chelation, but make sure you do take them on "off" days. Even though the agents are not supposed to affect calcium and magnesium, I found that taking extra amounts of these reduces the muscle twitching and headaches. The revision in the chelation protocol advises us to take some Zinc and some selenium even on the days of chelation. We find that doing this helps cut down the irritability by quite a bit.
In dosing of the DMSA or DMPS, chelating agents, remember to remind your doctor, to "go low" and to "go slow"!
Make sure you have a knowledgeable doctor supervising the chelation - what blood parameters to monitor etc. Dr. Rimland's institute, Autism Research Institute, has a list of doctors who are familiar with the Defeat Autism Now! protocol.
There are three agents for chelation of mercury:
DMPS (Heyl is the purest brand) oral, I.V. or I.M.
DMSA (Chemet, Succimer). (Kirkman makes a very palatable form) oral.
DMSA with ALA (alpha lipoic acid) oral.
Allithiamine- this is a mild chelator and is used as a cream on the soles of the feet. The advantage of this treatment is that you don't end up with so many problems with over-growth of yeast and different bacteria as you do with DMSA or DMPS.
There are many chelation protocols, please consult either the web site of the Autism Research Institute www.autism.com/ari. Most chelation is done orally; some doctors implement the oral chelation with I.M. shots of DMPS.
Please note that most of the information from this Defeat Autism Now! Conference (including the Autistic child's underlying inability to detoxify, deficiency states and toxicity and the treatments as discussed), is not yet widely accepted by the medical profession. The conventional medical community takes a very long time to embrace and accept new ideas. Don't be surprised if your doctor regards this information with skepticism. You may need to find a Defeat Autism Now! Doctor (see # 4 above) or a doctor who is open-minded enough to supervise the testing and treatment with you.
