Researchers are excited to announce they may have found a clue in treating a rare form of autism. Autism is a poorly understood developmental condition that appears to be on the rise. Researchers do not have a solid understanding of what causes the condition, but are investigating both environmental and genetic components that may contribute to the disorder. Research into dietary amino acid supplements may be providing evidence into potential effective treatments in the future.
Amino Acids, Autism and Longevity
The amino acids in question are called branched chain amino acids or BCAAs. These amino acids are commonly found in meats and dairy products. Amino acids are not naturally produced by the body, but must be consumed through food sources. Amino acids are necessary to digest foods and produce energy from carbohydrates and protein.
Autism is usually diagnosed in early childhood and is characterized by poor social interaction, restricted communication skills, attachment to objects and repeated body movements. It is a developmental disorder that affects approximately 1 in 88 children in the United States. Additionally, approximately one-quarter of children with autism also have epilepsy, according to researchers at Yale University.
In one rare form of autism that is being studied in conjunction with BCAAs, researchers discovered that lower levels of these amino acids were due to genetic mutations. In their next stage of research, they intend to test whether BCAA supplements help improve symptoms of autism.
BCAAs also are necessary to prevent the breakdown of muscles. By increasing the levels of amino acids in blood levels, researchers have found that cell life span improves, as do overall energy levels. Eating foods that contain vital amino acids, including leucine, valine and isoleucine, can improve overall health and combat the effects of aging.
By consuming lean organic meats, such as fish, free range poultry and grass-fed beef, you may be able to potentially increase your life span and improve your energy levels. The discovery of the importance of branched chain amino acids may prove to be an exciting breakthrough in the treatment of many different forms of autism in the future.
What is your take on autism and the relatively unknown causes? Let us know in your comments.
