Disclaimer: Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and TACA does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily TACA's. Nothing in this document should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.
Introduction:
In the Autism community over the past few years glutathione, detoxification, and all related methylation issues have been the “hot topic” at many of the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) conferences, other conferences, and with many of the current medical practitioners treating autism. There is also some recent, excellent studies by Drs. Jill James and Richard Deth on this highly debated and important topic as possible treatments for children on the spectrum.
The process of the methylation and detoxification pathways is a highly complex process and still requires more research. Treating children affected by autism with glutathione to promote detoxification is not a perfect solution or cure for autism. It COULD BE an important piece of what COULD NOT be functioning properly in autism spectrum disorders for some of the affected children.
This document attempts to provide some base information about Glutathione, reading sources, and options available for your review. It has been written by a mom of a child affected by autism with no credentials or medical training. I have simply provided reading materials that have helped me, research references and personal experiences with one child. Please work with your doctor on the proper testing and the unique needs of your loved one.
Overview: Glutathione and Its Potential Uses :
www.drlera.com/specialty_formulas/Glutathione.htm
|
Glutathione |
|
Aging |
Detoxifier |
Liver disease |
Glutathione helps to defend the body against damage from cigarette smoking, exposure to radiation, cancer chemotherapy, and toxins such as alcohol. As a detoxifier of heavy metals and drugs, it aids in the treatment of blood and liver disorders.
Glutathione protects cells in several ways. It neutralizes oxygen molecules before they can harm cells. Together with selenium, it forms the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes hydrogen peroxide. It is also a component of another antioxidant enzyme, glutathione-S-transferase, which is a broad-spectrum liver-detoxifying enzyme.
Glutathione protects not only individual cells but also the tissues of the arteries, brain, heart, immune cells, kidneys, lenses of the eyes, liver, lungs, and skin against oxidant damage. It plays a role in preventing cancer, especially liver cancer, and may also have an anti-aging effect. Glutathione can be taken in supplement form. The production of glutathione by the body can be boosted by taking supplemental N-acetylcysteine or L-cysteine plus L-methionine. Studies suggest that this may be a better way or raising glutathione levels than taking glutathione itself.
Glutathione is not technically an amino acid, however, due to its close relationship is normally grouped with the amino acids. Most glutathione is found in the liver where it detoxifies many harmful compounds to be excreted thru the bile. Some glutathione is released directly by the liver into the bloodstream where it helps to maintain the strength of your red blood cells and also protecting your white blood cells.
Glutathione can also be found in the lungs and in your body's intestinal tract system. It is required for carbohydrate metabolism. Glutathione also appears to have anti-aging effects by aiding in the breakdown of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis. As we get older glutathione levels in the body get lower and this can cause an increase in the aging process. Thus glutathione supplementation is useful to prevent this from occurring.
Glutathione deficiency maybe indicated by: coordination problems, mental disorder, tremors, twitching, nervous system disorder, and difficulty in balancing. Currently, believed to be caused by lesions in the brain.
Latest Research on Glutathione:
Neurotoxicology - Volume 26, Issue 1, January 2005, Pages 1-8
*Thimerosal Neurotoxicity is Associated with Glutathione Depletion:
Protection with Glutathione Precursors * *S.J. James, William Slikker III, Stepan Melnyk, Elizabeth New, Marta Pogribna and Stefanie Jernigan *
1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
2 Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
Abstract
Thimerosol is an antiseptic containing 49.5% ethyl mercury that has been used for years as a preservative in many infant vaccines and in flu vaccines. Environmental methyl mercury has been shown to be highly neurotoxic, especially to the developing brain. Because mercury has a high affinity for thiol (sulfhydryl (single bondSH)) groups, the thiol-containing antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), provides the major intracellular defense against mercury-induced neurotoxicity. Cultured neuroblastoma cells were found to have lower levels of GSH and increased sensitivity to thimerosol toxicity compared to glioblastoma cells that have higher basal levels of intracellular GSH. Thimerosal-induced cytotoxicity was associated with depletion of intracellular GSH in both cell lines. Pretreatment with 100 /?/M glutathione ethyl ester or /N/-acetylcysteine (NAC), but not methionine, resulted in a significant increase in intracellular GSH in both cell types. Further, pretreatment of the cells with glutathione ethyl ester or NAC prevented cytotoxicity with exposure to 15 /?/M Thimerosal. Although Thimerosal has been recently removed from most children's vaccines, it is still present in flu vaccines given to pregnant women, the elderly, and to children in developing countries. The potential protective effect of GSH or NAC against mercury toxicity warrants further research as possible adjunct therapy to individuals still receiving Thimerosal-containing vaccinations.
An Important Related Study to Dr Jill James :
Dr. Richard Deth’s studies as it relates to detoxification and metals can be found on the Autism Research Institutes (ARI) website at www.autism.com/ari.
And the direct link: www.autismwebsite.com/ari/dan/deth.htm
More links from ARI on this topic: www.autismwebsite.com/ari/vaccine/thimerosalreferences.htm
Other important research papers :
[1] Wu, J et al. Mercaptoethanol and N-acetylcysteine enhance T-cell colony formation in AIDS and ARC. Clin Exp Immunol 77:7-10, 1989.
[2] Lund, ME et al. Treatment of acute methylmercury ingestion by hemodialysis with N-acetylcysteine. Toxicol Clin Toxicol 22:31-49, 1984.
[3] Henderson, P et al. N-Acetylcysteine therapy of acute heavy metal poisoning in mice. Vet Hum Toxicol 27:522-5, 1985.
[4] Keith RL, et al. Utilization of renal slices to evaluate the efficacy of chelating agents for removing mercury from the kidney. Toxicology 1997 Jan 15;116(1-3):67-75.
[5] Zalups RK, et al. Interactions between glutathione and mercury in the kidney, liver and blood. In: Chang, LW, ed. Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1996; 145-63.
[6] Shenker BJ, et al. Mercury-induced apoptosis in human lymphoid cells: evidence that the apoptotic pathway is mercurial species dependent. Environ Res 2000 Oct;84(2):89-99.
[7] Thompson SA, et al. Modulation of glutathione and glutamate-L-cysteine ligase by methylmercury during mouse development. Toxicol Sci 2000 Sep;57(1):141-6.
[8] Gong Z, et al. Effect of chelation with meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) before and after he appearance of lead-induced neurotoxicity in the rat. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1997;144:205-214.
[9] Witschi Z, et al. The systemic availability of oral glutathione. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1992;43(6):667-669.
Testing for a Glutathione Deficiency?
There is no one test that demonstrates a glutathione deficiency with 100% accuracy. But there are some good tests that your doctor can order that will provide important clues if there is a deficiency, methylation dysfunction, or inability to detoxification.
Some tests available today are:
- Lab: Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs: www.gsdl.com / Test: Plasma Sulfate & Plasma Cysteine. Test Type: Blood
- Lab: Integrative Genomics www.integrativeinc.com / Test: “Enhanced Cardio Panel” test Test type: Swab of the mouth
These test kits are ordered by your doctor and via prescription only. For my family, the test results have been accurate and helped provided important clues for treatment protocols that have significantly helped my son.
Resources – What & Where to buy Glutathione Products:
Supplementing with Glutathione does not always solve the methylation and detoxification problem for ALL CHILDREN. But with a doctors assistance on dose and form of Glutathione – it can help many children.
Some doctors recommend Glutathione in several form:
- Oral (liquid or capsule)
- Topical (a lotion or crème)
- Nebulized (inhaled - similar to an asthma treatment,) or
- IV (intravenous drip or IV push.) It is important to note:
NOTE: FOR SOME CHILDREN ORAL GLUTATHIONE CAN EXASBERATE YEAST AND GUT INBALANCE. Be sure to work with your doctor on the right form for your child.
Wellness Pharmacy , in Alabama, makes LipoCeutical Glutathione and their main website is www.wellnesspharmacy.com From the home page. Scroll down and you'll see a box in which the product is discussed. Their phone number is 800-227-2627. This product is a liquid and taken orally. (Note: we put the liquid into capsules for easy swallowing to avoid the flavor!)
Kirkman Labs has glutathione in several variations (topical and oral) at www.kirkmanlabs.com. E-mail: sales@kirkmanlabs.com for questions about product information. Phone numbers: (800)245-8282 outside Oregon and (503) 694-1600 inside Oregon / Fax (503)682-0838 – these folks provide a variety of supplements and forms for glutathione.
McGuff Pharmacy in California www.mcguffpharmacy.com Telephone: 877 444-1133 • Fax: 877 444-1155 Info: pharmacyanswers@mcguff.com. These folks with doctors prescription provide the IV solution and nebulized versions of glutathione.
Lee Silby Compounding Pharmacy www.leesilsby.com Toll-Free Phone: 800-918-8831 - Fax: 216-321-4303. E-mail: info@leesilsby.com - These folks provide transdermal glutathione and other useful products.
Note; I am sure there are many more sources for Gluathione and similar products. These are the products I am familiar with. It is important to find sources that meet dietary restrictions (gluten free, casein free, dye free, additives free) and do not have additives. Sometimes these additives can mask any benefits of glutathione supplementation.
Some Personal Experiences with Glutathione for One Child:
My son’s medical tests demonstrated over several years and many types of tests he had a glutathione deficiency and other issues. Over the past five years we have found glutathione based treatments have greatly assisted him. I have attempted to outline some of our findings for one case: my sons.
WHAT WE TRIED:
- Oral Glutathione – it increased a tremendous yeast outbreak
- Topical Glutathione – it caused a bad rash and undesired behaviors – this is an understatement
(at the time there was only a soy based glutathione – this was 2 years ago) - The first dose IV Glutathione: 250 mg (it is really an IV Push – 5-10 minutes.)
Some hints: We brought a portable DVD Player along, and prepared his arm with a big glob of EMLA cream prior to infusions.
At the time Jeff was 5 years old – around 40 lbs. The first treatment was Fall 2002. - Nebulized Glutathione – 2 mls – 2 times a day
MORE ON IV TREATMENTS:
- We increased his dose of IV Glutathione to 300 mg and the dosing was given every 2-3 months (sometimes longer, see note 5)
- At the third infusion we added 1 gram Vitamin C
- Somewhere around the 6 th infusion we added 300 mg NAC and push Vitamin C to 2 grams
- Every 4-6 months we re-tested Plasma Cysteine levels
- There was a period of 12 months where 2 of Jeff’s Cysteine levels remained normal so we stopped the infusions during this time
- Starting up again in Summer 2004 – the levels dipped low so we started with IV’s again (300 mg Glutathione, 300 Mg NAC, 2 grams Vitamin C.) We have done infusions in June, September and December.
- IV levels were increased due to Jeff’s age and weight. He is now 7 years old and 65 lbs (all muscle and tough!)
- Recently we got informed onto LipoCeutical Glutathione from Wellness Pharmacy www.wellnesspharmacy.com . It is a liquid – taken orally about 1⁄4 tsp 2 x’s daily.
SPECIFIC BEHAVIORS, OBSERVATIONS AND OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES:
- When Jeff cysteine levels test LOW he appears pastier in color on his face and has dark circles. He speaks a lot less and appears
much more spacey and mush less attentive. - When cysteine level test NORMAL his face tone is more “California slightly tan”, dark circle are gone, he speaks in longer sentences (vs. one word responses) although still delayed. He is very attentive and interactive.
- NOTE: In the past, Jeff has had significant yeast issues and this adds in the stimmy behaviors and propriceptive input seeking
activities which can complicate the cysteine process as well. - Some more important NOTES: Jeff has responded very very well to M-B12 (2x’s a week does him good) and TMG in higher doses.
Other things like: Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium, Leucovorin, Magnesium, COQ10, CLO, and L-Methionine are key as the daily supplementation protocol.
WHO DOES IV GLUTATHIONE IN SO CAL?
On Resources, Autism Resources, Doctors – there are several doctors that provide glutathione infusions.
WHO PAYS FOR IV GLUTATHIONE?
I am NOT an expert on insurance. You need to contact your health insurance provider on this. Everyones coverage is different. You need to make that call prior to scheduling your appointment. The out of pocket costs is $85.00 -$120.00. Note, I have heard many times families confusing IV Glutathione with the blood product IVIG – these are very, very different interventions and are NOT THE SAME!
HOW IS IV GLUTATHIONE ADMINISTERED?
Once the IV is inserted it takes about 10 minutes to infuse. It is recommended you have EMLA crème and a clear bandage to cover the crème on both arms (in case a vein is not found in one – you have another.) Follow the direction for the EMLA crème provider and plan for having the crème on for the necessary time. You acquire EMLA crème to numb the arm and make the child more comfortable via a doctors prescription.
Frequently children do not “sit still” for an IV. You need to secure the child the best way you can. There are several ways to do this:
- The best hold for the child is what we refer to as the “Log ride” hold with husband holding the child and his legs down and the other parent keeps the child distracted with the ultimate toys or DVD.
- There is a device called a “papoose” which is like a straight jacket to keep the child still. Some children need deep pressure and restraints for an IV to calm them for this process. This device does NOT work for all children.
Conclusion:
There is a lot to read on the topic of glutathione replacement for treating autism and in addition more research is required. Glutathione treatments are not always recommended by all doctors. In addition, there is no one way to supplement glutathione and in addition these treatments do NOT help all children with autism. Medical testing with your doctor can demonstrate whether or not a child or individual with autism could possibly benefit from glutathione supplementation. My hope was to provide the baseline research and information I found helpful in working my son’s doctor and providing different treatments to help my son’s condition. I sincerely hope this information has been valuable to you.
Disclaimer: Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and TACA does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily TACA's. Nothing in this document should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.
New Parent Seminar
Honolulu, HI
Saturday, November 22, 2008
• More info
• Register online
Find a Meeting
