Possible Benefits of L-Carnosine for Autistic Children. L-Carnosine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. The highest concentrations of L-Carnosine are found in the heart, muscle, and brain tissues.

1. Autism ParentingMagazine
Possible Benefits of
L-Carnosine for
Autistic Children

2. Possible Benefits of L-Carnosine for Autistic
Children
L-Carnosine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. The highest
concentrations of L-Carnosine are found in the heart, muscle, and brain tissues.
Carnosineis classified as a dipeptide, which is a compound madeup of amino acid
molecules that are linked together. It is thought to enhance frontal lobe function
in thebrain, and research suggests thatitis also a powerful antioxidant.
A synthetic form of carnosine is available, and sold as a supplement to help treat
a variety of health issues. These include liver disease, cancer, cataracts, and
Alzheimers disease. It is also marketed as an anti-aging nutrient. Some doctors
and researchers also claim that carnosine can be of tremendous help to children
with autism.
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3. Possible Benefits of L-Carnosine for Autistic
Children
Research indicates that carnosine may help autistic children in a variety of ways,
mainly centering around the child’s behavior, and language skills, and it may
enhance nervous system function. Studies have reported that children who take
carnosinesupplements haveshown improvementin thefollowing areas:
vocabulary
languagecomprehension
communication
socialization
objectrecognition
awareness of surroundings
finemotor skills
auditory processing
A double blind, placebo controlled study of carnosine was conducted by Doctor
Michael G. Chez, and several other researchers. In the study, thirty one autistic
children between the ages of three to twelve years were treated with either a
carnosinesupplement, or a placebo. The study lasted eight weeks, and by the end
most of the children who had been taking the carnosine supplements showed
signi cant improvement in behavior, socialization, and communication skills. The
amount and percentage of the childrens improvement was based on the
standards of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Gilliam Autism
Rating Scale (GARS), and the Expressive and Receptive One-Word Picture
Vocabulary tests (E/ROWPVT). Reports given by the childrens parents were also
used in the assessment of the childrens overall improvement. The children who
had been taking the placebo instead of the carnosine, showed no improvements.
The researchers stated that, “Oral supplementation with L-Carnosine resulted in
demonstrable improvements in autistic behaviors, as well as increases in
languagecomprehension thatreached statistical significance.”
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4. Possible Benefits of L-Carnosine for Autistic
Children
The results of the study were published in the Journal of Child Neurology in
2002. The original article and more details about Doctor Chezs study can be
found here:
www.carn-aware.com/aarticle.pdf.
Research indicates that the bene ts of carnosine supplementation in autistic
children are usually seen within one to eight weeks after the child begins taking it.
Carnosine is tolerated very well by diabetics, and is compatible with both
ketogenic, and gluten/casein free diets. It has also been reported that it may
improve some EEG abnormalities and the frequency of both myoclonic and
generalized seizures.
To date, there have been no harmful physical side effects reported by those
taking carnosine. However, too high a dose may overstimulate some children,
causing hyperactivity, irritability, or insomnia. This mainly occurs in children that
havealready been diagnosed as being manic or hyperactive, and the side effects
usually resolve if the dose of carnosine is adjusted. Many parents have reported
thattheir children seem to sleep better oncethey areon carnosineas well.
Although research indicates that carnosine may be a very bene cial supplement
for children with autism, it is important to note that the studies that have been
conducted are relatively recent, and there is much about carnosine that may still
be unknown. A physician should always be consulted before starting any natural
or over thecounter supplement.
Sources
http://www.healingedge.net
http://www.nutritionreview.org
http://www.myaspergerschild.com
http://www.altmedicine.about.com
http://www.carn-aware.com/aarticle.pdf
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5. Possible Benefits of L-Carnosine for Autistic
Children
This articlewas featured in Issue 17 – Autism Awareness and Acceptance!
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6. Possible Benefits of L-Carnosine for Autistic
Children
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