Why Nutritional Intervention is Important 

According to current trends in autism research, it is becoming more and more apparent that the cause of autism is biomedical.  This means that to help a child progress, it is critical to identify and treat underlying health issues.   

Behavioral modification and integrative therapies (auditory, visual, and sensory) are also extremely beneficial.  However most children in the autism spectrum  make considerably more progress in these therapies if underlying health issues are addressed at the same time.  Nutritional intervention helps parents get the most out of the time and/or money invested in other therapies.

Thousands parents have found that their children have made significant behavioral and cognitive gains when put on a nutritional intervention program.  According to a survey of parents on the Recovered Kids web site, the majority of parents whose young children recovered from autism were placed on a nutritional intervention program.  

How Autism Coach Supplements Can Help 

Autism Coach supplements are provided to help you create and/or support a nutritional intervention program for your child.   We have carefully selected what we consider to be the most effective safe and supplements available for children within the autism spectrum.  All of these supplements have been used extensively by parents of children within the autism spectrum and many parents have observed improvements in their children's behavior or cognitive abilities while using these supplements.  

Many of our supplements are easy to take (either as a liquid or can be mixed into food), are of high quality and potency, are all natural,  and most are free of ingredients that are commonly allergenic and/or problematic for autistic children (all supplements are gluten/casein free).  

These supplements can benefit both children and adults.  They have also been found to be beneficial for siblings of children within the autism spectrum who exhibit milder autistic tendencies.  

We have also received many reports of these supplements helping those with other learning disabilities, including ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, LD and CAPD.  

Enzymes

Enzymes are among the safest and most effective supplements used to help autistic children.   Enzymes can break down foods that are typically not completely digested by autistic children, preventing the creation of harmful neuro-toxic molecules and reducing the amount of undigested food that provides a breeding ground for pathogenic organisms, such as Candida and Clostridia. A complete list of the enzymes we carry is as follows:

When combined, Peptizyde and Zyme Prime have been shown to benefit 90% of autistic children in a survey of 260 parents.   We now offer forms of the Peptizyde and Zyme Prime enzymes for children who are on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (restricting sugars and carbohydrates) and for children with fruit allergies.  We now also offer many of these enzymes as powder that can be mixed into food or drink for children who cannot swallow a capsule.  We now offer a variety Peptizyde and Zyme Prime enzymes to choose from, based on your child's needs.  For more information on these enzymes,  please click here.

Enhancement Enzymes is a completely vegan enzymes suitable for those who do not consume animal products, that promotes the digestion of protein, carbohydrates, fat and cellulose.  For more information, please click here.

DigestZyme is a fine enzyme that includes intrinsic factor, a digestive substance deficient in many autistic children, which promotes the absorption of Vitamin B12.  For more information about DigestZyme, click here.

Glutathione Support

Liposome Enclosed Glutathione - Virtually all children within the autism spectrum are deficient in glutathione, which is critical for many metabolic processes, including anti-oxidant protection and elimination of toxins, such as heavy metals.  Until now, however, glutathione has not been efficiently directly absorbable through the intestinal tract.  Enclosing the glutathione inside of a fat-soluble liposome allows the glutathione to be much more readily absorbed.  The liposome enclosing the glutathione is soy-based.   For more information, click here.

Glutathione Promoter - Homocysteine Calm was originally formulated to lower homocysteine levels which are implicated in heart disease.  It also happens to be a complete blend of the vitamins used in a study conducted by Dr. Jill St. James shown to raise levels of Glutathione in autistic children.  This product is soy-free.

Neurological Support

Autism Coach offers several supplements to provide neurological support.

Cal-Mag Butyrate - Butyrate is a precursor to GABA, the brain's primary calming neurotransmitter, which is frequently at low levels in children with autism.  It also promotes health within the colon through providing fuel for the colonic epthelia cells, which helps to maintain health mucosal cell turnover.  It also helps to reduce levels of ammonia in the brain, which are high for some autistic children.

Carnosine - The use of L-Carnosine in the treatment of autism was pioneered by neurologist Dr. Michael Chez.  In a double-blind study conducted by Dr. Chez, children within the autism spectrum showed significant improvements in language and socialization while taking L-Carnosine.  We have received much positive feedback from parents about changes observed in their children after starting Carnosine suplementation.  We offer two Carnosine products, Liquid Carnosine Plus and Carn-Aware.

CoQ10 is a a fat-soluble, vitamin-like essential substance that participates in mitochondrial energy production within heart cells and throughout the body. CoQ10 also serves as an antioxidant in all cell membranes, helping to preserve their integrity and function.  It is part of the ATP energy cycle, that by which cells use fats, sugars, and amino acids to produce the energy.  It can influence fatigue, muscle function, and cognition.  An optimal ATP energy cycle helps to support optimal neurological health by enabling the cells in the brain to perform metabolic processes more efficiently and efficiently remove potentially toxic by-products of metabolism, including free radicals.  

Inosine is a precursor to adenosine, an important energy molecule, and plays many supportive roles in the body.  Inosine is a small molecule that helps restore nerve function and is one of the few supplements shown to regrow nerve connections in laboratory animals.  It is currently being used in trial studies and by physicians in practice to treat MS, stroke, brain injury, and autism. For more information on whether this supplement would be an appropriate treatment for you or your child, please read the more detailed description.

Magnesium Taurate - Like the neurotransmitter, GABA, taurine has a calming effect on the brain, inhibiting the excitation of nerve cells.  GABA deficiencies are commonly found in children diagnosed with autism, migraines and/or ADD.  Taurine has been shown inhibit the firing of nerve cells and rectifies abnormal concentrations of glutamate.   Magnesium also blocks the excito-toxic effects of glutamate and aspartate (found in food products containing MSG and aspartame).  Magnesium plays an important role in the metabolic regulation of taurine and taurine can substitute for magnesium in the presence of magnesium deficiencies.  

Phosphatidyl Serine supplementation helps regenerate damaged nerve cells, reversing defects in nerve cell message transmission, helping to establish new receptor sites in the brain. Phosphatidyl Serine can benefit memory, learning, concentration, mood, alertness, sociability,  and reaction time.  

Vinpocetine supports brain metabolism by increasing cerebral synthesis of ATP, the universal “currency” of energy. Vinpocetine enhances brain metabolism by improving utilization of oxygen and circulation. Vinpocetine also increases the synthesis of several neurotransmitters that affect critical brain functions such as memory recall, focus and mood.  Although not as well known as other natural supplements used for neurological support, my perception through use in my own family is that it is considerably more effective than Ginkgo in promoting mental acuity and alertness.  It works well with our Licorice Syrup.

E-Lyte Electrolyte Solution and Minerals

Autistic children have intestinal dysfunction which can lead to chronic dehydration.  Many children show immediate improvement when put on an electrolyte solution.  E-lyte electrolyte solution provides additional benefit by including sulfur, potassium, and magnesium which contribute to metabolic and detoxifying processes in the body.   A capful or two of E-lyte liquid concentrate may be added to salty cooked foods, such as hamburgers, soups and stews.  The child may also drink water with one or two capfuls of E-lyte solution added to it.  For more information, click here.

Autism Coach also offers minerals are that are frequently deficient in autistic children in an easy to take, easily absorbed liquid form.  You may add  a few drops of these highly-concentrated minerals to water or sweet drinks and be sure to include a small amount of Vitamin C powder or use a drink that contains a small amount of Vitamin C for maximum absorption.   For more information, click here.

After many requests from parents, we are offering a natural mint flavored non-dairy, non-allergenic form of calcium that may be used by children who are on a dairy-free diet.  For more information, click here.

B Vitamins

Research by Dr. Bernard Rimland and other autism researchers have consistently found through that VItamins B12, B6 supplementation results in improved levels of functioning for many people within the autism spectrum.  This supplement protocol is now used widely throughout the autism community.  Behavioral Balance also includes magnesium, zinc, DMG, and Betaine HCL to provide a synergistic blend of nutritional support.  This supplement also includes natural cherry flavor (phenol free), potassium sorbate, and red cabbage extract for color.  For more information, click here.

B Complex  contains the full complement of the B-complex vitamins. Vitamins B-1, B-2, and B-6 do not function properly in the body until they are made into their coenzyme forms by the addition of phosphate. Because this process does not always occur efficiently, B-Complex-50 includes the coenzyme forms of these B vitamins.  For more information, click here.

We also offer Folinic Acid, the bioactive form of folic acid, which is being used support the production of glutathione and to increase production of dopamine.   For more information, click here.   

Allithiamine is a sulfur bearing form of Vitamin B1 that is more readily absorbed than other forms and helps to promote detoxification. For more information, click here.  

Beneficial Oils

Cod Liver oil is beneficial to many children within the autism spectrum, being high in the Omega 3 oils, EPA and DHA, which are anti-inflammatory and support development of the brain and nervous system.  The natural form of vitamin A in Cod Liver oil is highly beneficial to a subset of children within the autism population who cannot metabolize artificial forms of Vitamin A.  For children who cannot swallow a capsule, this is the best tasting Cod Liver oil on the market, with natural strawberry, peach and lemon flavors. For more information, click here.

Beyond Essential Fats™, a state-of-the-art fatty acid blend, is the only product of its kind featuring Sea Buckthorn oil and Pine seed oil from Siberia. These unique oils have been well-known for centuries throughout Russia and other parts of the world for their healing benefits. The fish oil concentrate in this product contains the highest amounts of EPA/DHA/GLA Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which play a key role in the development and proper maintenance of cell membrane behavior and cell signaling in all organs and tissues.  For more information, click here.

Methylation Support

Children in the autism spectrum generally have impaired methylation function.  Methylation is one of the primary methods by which the body removes toxins.  Providing trimethylglycine or dimethylglycine improves methylation function.  Some children respond better to one that another, and so we are making both available in an easy to take liquid form.  For more information about Behavior Balance, click here.  For more information about Liquid TMG, click here.  For more information about Liquid DMG, click here.  For more information about TMG crystals, click here.  

Immune System Support

Vitamin C is important in supporting the immune system and in chelation therapies (see below).  Most vitamin C in supplement form is derived from corn.  We offer a Corn-Free Vitamin C effervescent powder that may be mixed into water or fruit juice (such as orange juice or lemonade) and a Vitamin C Anti-Oxidant capsule that contains a mix of B  vitamins, minerals, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid and other anti-oxidants.

Licorice has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-viral, antiulcer, and antifungal properties. Licorice is believed to boost hormone production, including secretin and other hormones in the GI tract and brain.  We have found that licorice works especially well in when taken together with Vinpocetine to provide optimal neurological support.  

Monolaurin is a derivative of coconut that has been shown to have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties by preventing the spread of viruses, including herpes, Epstein-Barr, and the flu.  Nontoxic and non-irritating to the intestinal tract, it works directly on the envelope coat of the virus.  By disrupting the lipid bilayer, Monolaurin prevents attachment (absorption) to susceptible host wells.  It also has been as an anti-fungal supplement. Many children within the autism spectrum have been found to have compromised immune systems rendering them susceptible to viral and fungal infections. 

Probiotics

Children within the autism spectrum often have issues with overgrowths of Candida and pathogenic organisms in their intestinal tracts which may produce toxic by-products such as Oxalic Acid and interfere with the natural production of vitamins and neurotransmitters in the intestinal tract which contribute to optimal immune system and neurological.  Our powerful probiotics, Culturelle, and  Saccharomyces Boulardi help to promote a healthy balance of intestinal organisms. 

Rice-Based Vitamin E

This high-quality Rice Vitamin E is derived exclusively from rice bran and is perfect for those with soy sensitivities. It is a unique oil extract of rice bran, rich both in tocotrienols and tocopherols.

Natural Chelation/Detoxification Support

New for November 2007!  We are pleased to carry the Mother Necessity protocol and line of products to promote gentle, natural binding of heavy metals (chelation) and removal of them from the body, along with the removal of other toxins.  The products developed to use with this protocol are all-natural, gluten and casein free and free of sugar.  This approach is working well for highly sensitive children, such as those with chemical sensitivities, who have not responded well to other protocols.  What is unique about this approach is that it completely supports the immune system and liver so that the heavy metals and other toxins are bound to and removed at the same time, without causing further damage to already stressed systems in the body.  Essential Greens and Detox Solutions are powders that can be  mixed in water.  The Essential Greens, Detox Solutions, and Liver Support are used as part of this protocol.  For more information, please click here.

Due to recent research in autism and the requests of parents, we have added products to support the removal of heavy metals from the body.  For more information on recent research findings,  please refer to the Autism One conference report.  Chelators are substances that bind to heavy metals.  Recent research from multiple researchers and physicians is currently leading to the conclusion that autism is primarily caused by heavy metal toxicity, with mercury being prominently implicated. 

However, mercury is notoriously difficulty to extract from tissues where it is deeply lodged.  Also, it has an unfortunate affinity for binding with fat and most of the fat in young children is in the brain.  Researchers and physicians feel that the younger the child, the easier it is to remove the mercury from the brain, and generally the better the results.  Natural chelators include glutathione, coriander (cilantro), alpha-lipoic acid, and chlorella (making sure the brand is free of heavy metals - such as our Chlorella), and high doses of Vitamin C (generally administered intravenously).  Substances that help to ensure that mercury is excreted include Vitamin C and milk thistle.   Glutathione and methyl donors are part of the methylation cycle that the body naturally uses to detoxify.  The methylation cycle tends to be extremely impaired in autistic children.  A combination of bio-available B6, B12, folinic acid, and Trimethylglycine, have been shown in clinical trial by Dr. Jill St. James to raise blood serum levels of glutathione in autistic children to normal.  Glutathione is critical in removing heavy metals and is also used to create metalthionine, which is one of the critical substances produced by the body to remove heavy metals.  

Other popular chelators used by Defeat Autism Now (DAN) doctors include DMSA and DMPS, but they have greater risk of side-effects.  Sometimes treatments are provided orally, through a cream that is absorbed into the skin (transdermally) or intravenously through an IV drip.  These chelators are typically administered under a doctor's care.  They pull out other elements in addition to mercury and sometimes patients have to supplement in between treatments to raise levels of beneficial elements, such as zinc and selenium. 

A new therapy using intravenous high doses of Vitamin C to extract the mercury from tissues followed by intravenous glutathione is being used successfully with some Parkinson's patients who also appear to suffer from mercury toxicity.   This approach is just in the experimental stages with children in the autism spectrum.  Dr. Jeff Bradstreet is currently trying this approach, amongst other DAN doctors.  The reason for intravenous glutathione is that it is not typically well-absorbed through the intestinal tract.  However, our Liposome-Enclosed Glutathione is a recent innovation that provides an absorbable oral form of glutathione, where the glutathione is enclosed in fat-soluble liposomes.

Our Glutathione Promoter contains the bioactive B6, B12, TMG, and  folinic acid combination recommended by Dr. Jill St. James.  This is a relatively safe and natural approach to at the very least preventing further accumulation of heavy metals.  Our Herbal Detoxifier includes alpha lipoic acid, which binds to heavy metals, and milk thistle, which helps to ensure these metals are removed from the body.  Our  Vitamin C Antioxidant provides a high dose of vitamin C in a form buffered with zinc, calcium and magnesium to be easier on the stomach,  in combination with other potent antioxidants.  Children in the autism spectrum also tend to benefit from zinc, calcium and magnesium supplementation.  

Also, many of our the vitamins listed in our B Vitamins help to promote chelation as well, including Behavior Balance, which contains DMG, Folinic acid, and Allithiamine.  

In addition to supplements for chelation, two items available at your grocery store also help to remove heavy metals: coriander (also called cilantro) and poppy seeds.  Coriander was accidentally discovered to significantly increase excretion of mercury, lead and aluminum.  Poppy seeds are believed to increase excretion of nickel (nickel is an ingredient in hydrogenated fats such as shortening and margarine).  In my local grocery store, fresh coriander comes in rubber-banded bunches, like parsley.  I use a bunch in each batch of turkey chili I make for my son.  

Proceed with caution: One must be careful that when mercury is detached from tissues and then bound to chelators that the mercury is excreted from the body and not reabsorbed where it can do more damage.  Each child's metabolic pathway is different and each child may react differently to these chelators and efforts to remove heavy metals.  Therefore, it is best to proceed under the care of a competent and knowledgeable physician who can perform regular testing to determine the levels of heavy metal excretion and monitor kidney and liver function.  Some physicians believe that other metals must be removed before the mercury can be extracted.  Also, also dental work containing mercury should be removed before proceeding with heavy-duty chelation so that the mercury from the fillings is not reabsorbed into tissues. Depending upon the type of chelator used, chelation can remove beneficial minerals as well as harmful ones.  Sessions of chelation are often alternated with periods where levels of beneficial minerals are restored, and frequently levels of minerals are tested for during chelation.  As parents and guardians of our children, we want to ensure we do more good than harm.  However,