Media Release
November 11 2009
Study to investigate nutritional supplementation for autism
South
Australian scientists have embarked on a new research program looking at
whether DNA damage is greater in children with autism than in children
without autism.
The University of South Australia’s
Sansom Institute for
Health Research, together with
CSIRO Food and
Nutritional Sciences and
Flinders University, will also investigate whether certain vitamins
and other nutrients can help treat some aspects of autism.
Dr Manya Angley from the Sansom Institute’s
Autism Research Group says United States researchers have shown that
the folate/methionine metabolic pathway, which involves key chemical
reactions in the body, is significantly different in many children with
autism compared to non-autistic children.
“This pathway is involved in many key biochemical functions, especially
maintenance of healthy DNA,” she said.
Professor
Michael Fenech from CSIRO and University of South Australia says the
study will be carried out in two parts.
“The first part aims to establish whether Australian children with
autism have an abnormal folate-methionine pathway by looking at levels
of certain chemicals in their blood and determining if there is a
relationship with autism behaviour,” he said.
“The second part looks at whether giving supplements to correct the
blood profile improves autism behaviours.
“Specific combinations of vitamins and other nutrients can potentially
reverse DNA damage associated with normal ageing and neurological
disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Down
syndrome.
“We want to see whether DNA damage is elevated in autism and whether
supplements are effective in treating some aspects of autism.” Dr Philip
Thomas at CSIRO will be supervising the DNA damage aspects of the study.
The researchers are hopeful that the study may lead to better outcomes
for individuals with autism. The ultimate aim is to develop personalised
nutrition based on an individual’s own genetic makeup.
UniSA PhD student Penelope Main is currently seeking participants for
the study. Ms Main says participating in the study has many benefits
including free blood testing for nutrient status and psychological
assessment with carers being given a comprehensive report.
“It is also an opportunity to help move Australian autism research
forward,” said Ms Main.
Children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder, their
siblings and controls (without a family history of autism) are currently
being recruited. Interested individuals should be aged under 15 years
and not currently taking folate or sodium valproate (Epilim). If you are
interested in learning more about the study, please contact Penelope
Main by email on
penelope.main@postgrads.unisa.edu.au
Contact for interview
-
Dr Manya Angley office (08) 8302 1227 mobile 0400 951 179
Media contact
- Kelly Stone office (08) 8302 0963 mobile 0417 861 832 email kelly.stone@unisa.edu.au