Autistic children typically have a gross deficiency in almost all nutrients, but the nature of the condition is to throw things out of balance. This is true of fatty acids. These kids have a problem with fatty acids, including an accumulation of too many very-long-chain-fatty acids (VLCFA). Proper fatty acid intake and balance are necessary to protein metabolism. This paper will help you understand more about this subject, and give a few suggestions of possible help. Physical symptoms signaling an Omega-6 fatty acid deficiency in children are the appearance of small bumps on the skin, particularly the shoulders and upper arms (often called “chicken skin”- a vitamin A deficiency), excessive dryness of hair and skin, brittle nails, excessive thirst and urination, bed wetting, eczema, hives, seborrhea (dandruff), hyperactivity, frequent or excessive temper tantrums, asthma, hay fever, and a frequently stuffy, runny, itchy nose (this can be zinc deficiency too).
Researchers evaluated 96 people between 10 and 60 years old with moderate eczema. Participants received either 400 IU of natural vitamin E per day or a placebo for eight months. Those who received the vitamin E had significantly greater improvement compared with those who took the placebo. In the vitamin E group, 60% reported “great improvement” or near remission of their eczema, while only 2% of those taking a placebo reported similar improvement. Blood levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a measure of immune-system stimulation, also decreased in those taking vitamin E (less allergies), whereas no change in IgE levels was found in the placebo group.
Our ancestor’s main sources of fat were lean, wild
animals, fish, and nuts. Currently, the American diet contains similar
amounts of fat (35-40%), but the amounts of the various types of fats are
very different. The main fat types eaten today are saturated fat from fatty,
red meats and dairy products, transfatty acids from margarine, peanut
butter, and processed baked goods, and an excess of Omega 6 unsaturated
oils. Omega-3 fats are almost nonexistent in the diet. This is due to two
factors, we have largely ceased to eat fish, and our beef is no longer grass
fed. According to a study at
This undesirable influence on prostaglandin balance
will render you more vulnerable to inflammatory conditions that don’t want
to heal! The part of the brain that Omega-3 deficiency affects is the
learning ability, anxiety/depression, and auditory and visual perception.
The Omega-3 fats also aid in balancing the autoimmune system. A growing
number of children have autoimmune allergies, colic, and skin problems that
are often shared by the parents. “At
“After all the polyunsaturated-fat hype and hoopla, and all the saturated fat fear and loathing for the last 10 years, that quote is a shocking eye-opener. If nothing else, you at least know not to blindly accept everything modern medicine has to tell you. That alone just gave you a huge chance to improve your health the next time you’re given the latest, wonder drug and told not to worry, ‘it’s FDA approved.’ Even more important than that, however, should be the realization that things are not as they should be. The ‘mistake’ above shouldn’t have been made by intelligent professionals (or by anyone else, for that matter), so there’s a very real possibility that it wasn’t a mistake.”—Allan N. Spreen, MD.
In a recent correspondence, Dr. Spreen made some comments that will illustrate his specific position in this dietary debate. Dr. Spreen said: “The purpose of the low-fat fad of the 90’s was to sell cholesterol-lowering drugs (which it did wonderfully). You’re seeing the effects of that propaganda two ways: 1) We are FAR fatter than we ever were in 1990 (on far less fat intake), and 2) Dr. Atkins (the low-carb guru) is getting more and more press, as the truth just can’t be held down forever. My best results in my practice, far and away, were achieved using low-carb diets. Remember: low fat by definition is high carbohydrate.” High carbohydrate means high insulin levels and that messes up the fatty acids!
There are eight, essential fatty acids divided into two classes: Omega-3 and Omega 6. Since we have quit saturated (solid) fats, and begun to use oils, we are getting too much Omega-6 fatty acid. The typical American diet is overbalanced to Omega-6/Omega-3 about 24 to 1. On the face of it, this would justify reducing polyunsaturated oils (avoid CanolaTM) and supplementing Omega-3 for the general population to restore balance. For most, however, in particular the autistic, the enzyme Delta-6 Desaturase needed to convert the long-chain, linoleic acid (LA) into gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is severely inhibited creating a marked deficiency of GLA. The resultant build up of unconverted Omega-6, and the overbalance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 tends to produce arachidonic acid and the inflammatory PgE2 that promotes inflammatory conditions throughout the body and tends to cancer. PgE2 is often elevated in angina, arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, diabetes, depression, food allergies, dysmenorrhea, multiple sclerosis, thrombosis, and schizophrenia. In humans with neuropathy or impairment of the immune system, significant deficits of Omega 3 EFAs have been measured. This detrimental effect can be offset by feeding more Omega-3, by supplementing antioxidants, and by managing the fatty acid pathway as outlined herein. Although there is usually a greater need for the Omega-6s than the Omega-3s, the farther north one goes, the greater the need for the Omega-3s that are more polyunsaturated. In the artic, the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is 1:1, below the artic circle, about 2.5:1, in temperate zones 4:1, in the tropics (desert) 10:1. In addition, low magnesium levels have been shown to enhance release of inflammatory cytokines and to increase excitotoxicity. Much of the injury to dendrites, synapses, and neurons, by both cytokines and excitotoxicity, is caused by free radicals, necessitating an antioxidant supplement.
A recent study found that women whose white blood cell counts were in the top one-fourth of participants had twice the risk of death from cardiovascular disease as women whose counts were in the lowest quarter. Women in the top fourth also had a 40% greater risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction, a 46% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% greater risk of dying of any cause. The white blood cell count is a widely available and inexpensive measure of inflammation.
Eicosanoids are a class of super-hormones that control
all the body’s hormone systems, and virtually every vital physiological
function. Those made from Omega-3 are rather neutral. Production of the
“good” and “bad” eicosanoids begins within the cell with the Omega-6,
essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, at least some of which has been
delivered there by the amino acid carnitine. The enzyme, Delta 6 Desaturase,
converts linoleic acid to gamma linolenic acid (GLA) without which no
eicosanoids can be produced. For the first six months, GLA must be supplied
by mother’s milk, since the child cannot produce it yet. Most “formula” or
cow’s milk provides virtually none (and no DHA needed for brain development
either, though in 2002, Efamil Lipil is the first to include DHA). Children
with eczema and asthma usually have a weakness in this enzyme, and
supplementing GLA (Evening Primrose Oil) has produced significant
improvement in their condition. After age thirty, the ability to produce GLA
slows due to loss of Delta 6 Desaturase enzyme activity, and at 65,
production is probably reduced to 1/3 what it was at age 25. Furthermore,
any intake of transfatty acids, lack of good, saturated fats, excess
salicylates, excess alpha linolenic acid (ALA—an Omega-3 fatty acid,
precursor to EPA/DHA, found in high amounts in flax seed, flax seed oil, and
walnuts), high carbohydrate meals, acetaldehydes (from Candida and alcohol),
viral infection (commonly present in ASD), hypothyroidism, diabetes, and
stress all interfere with Delta 6 Desaturase, as does a deficiency of
vitamins B6 and B12, biotin, niacin, magnesium, and zinc. The worst of all
is the transfatty acids from hydrogenated oils and processed foods and
excess carbohydrate-to-protein in a meal (raising insulin). Avoid these like
the plague. This interference with Delta 6 Desaturase hinders conversion of
A zinc deficiency, that may be exacerbated by a vitamin B6 deficiency, leads to an inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis from essential fatty acids, either by blocking linoleic acid desaturation to gamma linolenic acid, or by inhibiting the mobilization of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) from the tissue membrane stores. It also leads to an impairment of vitamin A metabolism. Disease, especially viral infections (chronic measles, herpes, and Epstein Barr Virus?), along with stress-produced hormones (adrenaline and cortisol, which increases insulin), acetaldehyde (a neurotoxin produced by Candida, auto exhaust, alcohol, and cigarette smoke), hypothyroidism (often induced or made worse by fluoride in drinking and bath water), a high-carbohydrate diet (that increases insulin), transfatty acid intake, a lack of good-quality, saturated fats, excess salicylates (aspirin), a niacin or biotin deficiency, and a magnesium deficiency all interfere with this Delta 6 Desaturase, therefore, almost everyone can be benefited by supplementing GLA.
Herbs that excrete fatty acids (through enhanced cytochrome p450 liver enzyme activity) such as Angelica, Licorice, turmeric, Ginger, Milk Thistle, Pau D’Arco, Royal Jelly, Sheep Sorrel, carrageenans, and Ginkgo Biloba can reduce these vital substrates. The herbs reduce GLA and EPA leading to health problems, especially asthma, eczema, rosacea, and dry skin and hair. (See Dr. Darryl See’s report for a list of herbs adversely affecting these enzymes.)
Incidentally, Curcumin, the major component (40%) in Turmeric, is a good antioxidant, but when taking too much, like some other antioxidants, it becomes a pro-oxidant. It causes free radicals! Not more than 500 mg should be taken unless under medical supervision. Two hundred would be safer. Unlike some of the above herbs, turmeric and watercress are said to enhance both Phase I and Phase II liver enzymes, making one of them a good choice when there is a need to enhance systemic detoxification. Including them in the dietary is a good choice.
The several things listed that hinder Delta-6 Desaturase and the use of these herbs by many result in virtually everyone lacking GLA and DGLA. This will lead to weight problems, muscle loss, energy loss, suppressed immune function, and to a generally less healthy state. GLA deficiency tends to seizures. Those showing any sign of seizure activity should have a fatty acid analysis before supplementing fatty acids. Since one of the many functions of Omega-6 is to regulate water loss, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, dandruff, eczema, excessive thirst and urination, and rough skin often indicate a deficiency in GLA.
Another common reason for dry skin is “subclinical” hypothyroidism that hinders metabolism of fatty acids. This is �����subclinical’ only because of unreliable TSH tests and inaccurate “normal” ranges. Careful check of symptoms will be sufficient to make a test prescription of Natural Thyroid. The proof of hypothyroidism is in the improved condition of the patient! The largest of several studies (Colorado Thyroid Disease Prevalence Study studied 225,000 residents) showing significant debilitating conditions found these common symptoms: dry skin, (28%), poor memory (24%), slow thinking (22%), muscle weakness (22%), muscle cramps (17%), fatigue (18%), cold intolerance (15%), constipation (8%), and hoarseness (7%). Incidentally, tests in rats showed that no single T4 or T3 medication normalized thyroid hormone concentrations in all tissues. It was only through the administration of both T4 and T3 that tissue concentrations of thyroid hormones were normalized. Doctors would be well advised that the thyroid produces 20% of the T3, and that this affects the moods rather than the body responses. In any case, doctors who take this approach believe as many as 10% of the general population and up to 25% of the elderly are affected by undiagnosed hypothyroidism. A much higher percentage of autistic children and their Mothers are affected! Mom, do the iodine and the Barnes Morning Temperature test described later, and support the thyroid.
Once GLA is available, it converts to Dihomo Gamma Linolenic Acid (DGLA), and the enzyme delta 5 Desaturase enters the picture. It is made overactive by a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet, by stress-induced cortisol (both raise insulin levels), and by a magnesium deficiency all of which enhance production of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 that causes inflammatory conditions. It is mandatory to avoid a high-carbohydrate diet when attempting to balance fatty acids. Delta 5 desaturase is inhibited by glucagon (the hormonal counterbalance to insulin that opens fat stores for energy supply), and by most flavons, especially Quercetin, and by EPA/DHA. These favor production of good eicosanoids, especially PgE1. PgE1 stimulates the manufacture and secretion of vital hormones in the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands, including human growth hormone. PgE1 controls the neurotransmitters, the nervous system’s chemical messengers, and suppresses insulin release.
There is a close correlation between insulin, excitotoxins, free radicals, and eicosanoid production. Glutamate primarily acts by opening the calcium channel into cells. An excess allows calcium to pour into the cell’s interior causing overexcitation and contraction. In skeletal muscles, this leads to cramps and spasms. Intracellular calcium in high concentrations initiates the enzymatic release of arachidonic acid from the cell membrane, where it is then attacked by two enzyme systems, the cyclooxygenase system and the lipooxgenase system. These in turn produce a series of compounds that can damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, primarily by free radical production, but also directly by the “harmful eicosanoids”. Magnesium and manganese, and to a lesser extent zinc, counter this undesirable flood of calcium into cells.
Biochemically, we know that high-glycemic, high-carbohydrate diets that stimulate the release of excess insulin can trigger the production of “harmful eicosanoids”. We should also recognize that simple sugars are not the only substances that can trigger the release of insulin. One of the more powerful triggers involves the amino acids leucine, alanine, and taurine. Glutamine, while not acting as an insulin trigger itself, markedly potentiates insulin release by leucine. This is why, except under certain situations, individual “free” amino acids should be avoided. Interestingly, insulin increases toxic sensitivity to other excitotoxins as well. Of particular interest is the finding that most of the flavonoids, especially Quercetin, are potent and selective inhibitors of delta 5-lipooxygenase enzymes that initiates the production of “bad” eicosanoids. Flavones are also potent and selective inhibitors of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) that is responsible for the production of thromboxane A2, one of the “harmful eicosanoids”. The COX-2 enzymes are associated only with excitatory type neurons in the brain, and appear to play a major role in neurodegeneration. One of the critical steps in the production of eicosanoids is the liberation of arachidonic acid from the cell membrane by phospholipase A2. Flavonones such as naringenin (from grapefruit) and hesperetin (citrus fruits) produce a dose related inhibition of phospholipase A2 (80% inhibition), thereby inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid. The flavons can thus be somewhat helpful in inhibiting production of arachidonic acid and its harmful, inflammatory eicosanoids. The non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs act similarly to block the production of inflammatory eicosanoids. Unfortunately, flavons, especially Quercetin, also inhibit Phase I liver enzymes.
One paper has reported that there is an essential requirement for reduced glutathione (GSH) for the anti-oxidant effect of quercetin. N-acetylcysteine increases the supplies of intracellular cysteine needed to maintain high levels of reduced glutathione. Hence, inclusion of NAC in combination with quercetin should help prevent any possible pro-oxidant effects of quercetin. Moreover, another paper reported that quercetin (as well as onion extract, which is rich in quercetin) increased intracellular glutathione concentration in cell culture by about 50%. The mechanism for the latter effect was an increased expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of reduced glutathione.
Eating the proper ratio of carbohydrate to protein (that stimulates glucagon) for your metabolic type enables the delta 6 desaturase to produce the necessary GLA, and by eating fish or supplementing fish oil, the resulting glucagon and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) prevents the delta-5 desaturase enzyme from forming excessive arachidonic acid. Where an overabundance of arachidonic acids exists, as it does for many, that imbalance can be helped by eating fatty fish (salmon [not farmed], sardines, mackerel, or tuna) two or three times a week—or using cod-liver oil (1 to 2 tablespoons several times a week for adults), and cooking with olive oil. This, along with adequate B-vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc, will divert the DGLA into the desirable pathway to produce the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin PgE1. If your metabolic type is unknown, use a 40-30-30 ratio of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and avoid all sources of transfatty acids (primarily hydrogenated oils and commercial baked goods).
Although Arachidonic acid (AA) has been given a negative association, it is the most prominent essential fatty acid in the red cell and comprises 12% of the total brain and 15.5% of the body lipid content. If AA is depleted by overdosing with marine or flax oil, or by pyrroluria, the competitive inhibition between the omega 3s and 6s will make the establishing of a balance of the EFAs difficult. Often, both prostaglandin one and two series are compromised when flax and marine oils are overdosed or fat intake is insufficient. When AA, the lead eicosanoid of the body, is suppressed due to excess intake of marine oils, the balance of eicosanoid control circuitry of the body is impaired as is clearly seen in the patient’s presentation. Arachidonic acid is preferentially wasted in states of heavy metal toxicity (Tiin and Lin, 1998), and is sharply suppressed in RBC lipid analysis in states of heavy metal toxicity (Kane, clinical observation 1997-2002). Additionally, it is usually suppressed in Pyrroluria, hypothyroidism, and underactive Phase I Liver enzymes. This is particularly significant in that arachidonic acid supports acetylcholine secretion, enhancing cognitive abilities. Selection of high AA-content foods (farmed salmon, organ meats, turkey, fat pork, and eggs) can be most helpful in this instance.
For the autistic, the odds favor best results if you
supplement Evening Primrose oil to restore levels of GLA. First, supplement
vitamin C (250-1000 mg, divided into three servings) and E (200-400 IU) with
selenium (100 to 200 mcg) for a week. If this is not done, in susceptible
children, an asthma attack or a seizure may be triggered by the free
radicals generated by the EPO or by the increase in inflammatory
prostaglandins being generated due to stress and a high-carbohydrate diet
that is producing high insulin levels. In supplementing EPO, adjust the
carbohydrate/protein ratios to fit the metabolic type, serving protein with
every meal and major snack. Additionally, support fat digestion by a good
digestive enzyme with lipase and ensure adequate bile production by
supplementing taurine (excess taurine can be inflammatory) and glycine if
necessary. Continue supplementing the antioxidants, and add one 500 mg
capsule of EPO. Increase to 2500 mg as it is tolerated. This can be in two
1300 mg capsules (260 mg GLA). Evening Primrose Oil, one gram/day, improved
53 of 79 hyperactive children selected as a subgroup on the basis of mood
swings. The most striking improvement was noted in children with sleep
disorders, crying spells, and a family history of alcohol or bipolar.
(Muriel Blackburn,
Dr. Juan Alvarez and Dr. Steven Freedman of
Drs. Sears and Chilton cast much light on arachidonic and other fatty acids. First, animal protein sources like steak and eggs, farmed salmon, organ meats, and fatty red meats are considered high in arachidonic acid. Unless the child is known to be high in AA, I would not restrict anything but the farmed salmon. Getting too much or too little of these fatty acids in a meal can throw you out of the “Zone”. The effect of the dietary ratio of protein-to-carbohydrate, in each meal eaten, upon the Omega-6 fatty acids and their conversion to GLA will determine if you ever enter the Zone of optimal health. That is the reason for the eating according to your metabolic type suggested below. You must balance your protein/carbohydrate intake with each meal. This is to maintain a favorable balance of eicosanoids—there are “good” ones and “bad” ones. Prostaglandins are a subgroup, and there are “good” and “bad” prostaglandins. All eicosanoids are produced from essential fatty acids, primarily Omega-6. A high insulin hormone level produced by a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet creates “bad” eicosanoids; high glucagon hormone levels produce “good” eicosanoids. This is determined by dietary balance between carbohydrates and protein in each meal, by supplementing of the B-vitamins, vitamins C and E, and the minerals zinc, selenium, magnesium, and manganese, and by the eating of fish or fish oil.
As a result of these influences, Americans are universally deficient in GLA in spite of an overbalance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet that some judge to be 24 to 1. Many chronic diseases are associated with this decline in production of GLA and/or the imbalance created in the production of eicosanoids. One sure way to reduce the Delta 6 Desaturase enzyme activity, and the production of GLA, is to eat a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet (that we are urged by the government sanctioned “pyramid” eating plan to do. This eating plan has been widely accepted, and accounts for most obesity and overweight as well as the chronic inflammatory diseases.). All this reduces production of “good” eicosanoids, and increases the production of inflammatory “bad” eicosanoids.
So, if unhindered, linoleic acid is metabolized to GLA, and GLA is converted to Dihomo Gamma Linolenic acid (DGLA). From here, there are two branches to good/bad eicosanoids—controlled by an enzyme that is itself controlled by two hormones: insulin and glucagon. When this enzyme, Delta 5 Desaturase, is inhibited by glucagon being predominant, PgE1 (a non–inflammatory prostaglandin), and other Prostaglandins that reduce the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver are produced. When insulin predominates due to excessive carbohydrates, the enzyme is activated and produces arachidonic acid. Excess arachidonic acid to DGLA is your worst biological nightmare for from it comes Thromboxane A2 (which causes platelet clumping), PgE2 (which promotes inflammation and pain and depresses the immune system), and leukotrienes (which promote allergies and skin disorders). Maintaining the proper ratio of DGLA to arachidonic acid is the key to good health and proper body function.
There is one more important ingredient to add to this long list of fatty acids, that is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a member of the Omega–3 family of fatty acids. Like all Omega–3 fatty acids, EPA is a regulator of the enzymes that control the flow of Omega-6 fatty acids as they progress toward production of good/bad eicosanoids. Its major importance is that it inhibits the activity of the enzyme that makes arachidonic acid (Delta 5 Desaturase). To control arachidonic acid, and the harmful eicosanoids it produces, supplement GLA. [Evening Primrose oil is the best choice. Black currant oil, black walnut oil, and flax oil have too much Alpha Linolenic Acid (and only 3-15% converts to EPA, if any, and several studies have linked it to increased risk of prostate cancer), and Borage oil may promote seizures]. To eliminate this added source of alpha linolenic acid, you may do better with the GLA supplements that are now available. Furthermore, control stress, eliminate excess carbohydrates (especially eliminate the high-glycemic types), eliminate all hydrogenated fats with their transfatty acids, and because of their long-chain, fatty acids, reduce intake of Omega–6 oils. Avoid Canola, Safflower, cottonseed, corn, and peanut oils, peanut butter (especially the hydrogenated), and mustard. Substitute olive oil and coconut oil for cooking (not all saturated fat is bad, only an overabundance). Nevertheless, olive oil gives pause to the PST child or the one suffering Multiple Chemical Sensitivities: “After one week, blood samples showed higher levels of antioxidants such as vitamin E and phenols”—Cholesterol reduction Source: Eur I Clin Nutr, 2002 February, 56(2):114-20. Phenols are only a minor component in olive oil, but it raises the level of phenols, presumably thru interference with the phenol-sulphotransferase enzymes by the olive oil. Finally, eat fatty fish: salmon (never eat farmed salmon as it is very high in AA), sardines, herring, Greenland halibut, king crab, blue crab, shrimp, oysters (wild), mussels, sea bass, squid, and mackerel, and roe or caviar, three times a week, or take cod-liver oil.
Some autistic children cannot handle cod-liver oil. Because of faulty metabolism or a lack of GLA, they often have accumulated an excess of Omega-3 oil, and the very-long-chain-fatty acids, particularly DHA. These VLCFA suppress the immune function and increase free radicals in the bile, irritating the intestines. This is likely due to depressed Phase I liver enzymes and reduced thyroid function, but the typical medical test will not detect hypothyroidism. Supporting the thyroid will burn off these excess and harmful VLCFA. Excessive thirst, excessive urination, dry skin and hair, dandruff, eczema, brittle nails, and rough skin will identify these children who are deficient of GLA. If you give them cod-liver oil they become exceedingly thirsty, and their behavior may be upset by it. In that case, discontinue the CLO and supplement Evening Primrose oil ( or GLA supplement) to restore the fatty acid balance. Having met the need for GLA, the best oil for these children is cod-liver oil supplying as it does a much-needed dose of vitamins A and D with the EPA/DHA fatty acids. In introducing these oils, follow the procedure outlined above. Two to three teaspoons (depending on the child’s size—2 tablespoons for adults) of CLO will supply needed vitamin A and D, but may not supply the desired amounts of EPA/DHA. To do that, supplement another tablespoon of salmon oil that does not contain vitamins A and D. Remember, it takes sufficient zinc to release the vitamin A. Having ensured that, if after a few months, the rough skin on shoulders, thighs, and calves has not diminished or disappeared, replace the salmon oil with additional Cod-liver oil. When the rough skin becomes smooth, then reduce to the two or three teaspoons of CLO. If you ensure adequate zinc, one cannot be vitamin A toxic as long as this sign of vitamin A deficiency is still with you.
There are varying opinions concerning Borage oil.
Borage oil contains VLCFAs, and should be restricted for most autistics, who
tend to store them. It is said to be excitatory to those prone to seizures,
and that it is not as efficient in producing beneficial prostaglandins as is
Evening Primrose oil (Dr. Richard Hubbard,
So, to control the bad and ensure the production of the good eicosanoids, take cod-liver oil for adequate EPA, and eat a proper ratio of low-glycemic carbohydrate to protein to fit your metabolic type. For determining your metabolic type and the ratio for you, email Willis for details. The proper control of this ratio of protein to carbohydrate may be more important to attaining the optimum-health zone than the supplementing of the fatty acids, though both are highly desirable. Controlling the protein-carbohydrate ratio controls both the Delta-5 and the Delta-6 Desaturase enzymes. Floyd Chilton suggests supplementing high amounts of GLA (450-550 mg day divided into two servings for adults), probably because most won’t control their diets and because he discovered that macrophages and other immune cells will gobble this “excess” of GLA and produce DGLA that does not produce AA, but rather produces the good prostaglandins (PgE1).
Since most won’t control their carbohydrate/protein ratio, and because of other things interfering with normal production of GLA, one must supplement GLA (Evening Primrose oil or a GLA supplement), and balance it by supplementing EPA. The typical 1,300 mg capsule of Evening Primrose oil provides 117-130 mg GLA requiring more than four tablespoons of cod-liver to balance the GLA/EPA ratios. This seems to be overkill. The 500 mg capsules supply approximately 45 mg of GLA. That would require 2250 mg of EPA (5 teaspoons of cod-liver oil) supplying 23,000 units of vitamin A. This is why I recommend both the cod-liver oil and the fish oil sans vitamin A, except when you choose Nordic Naturals CLO. Five teaspoons of Nordic Naturals will supply 10,000 IU of vitamin A, 3375 mg EPA and 2225 mg DHA. This is a very high EPA level and may suppress AA excessively, for many of the kids are pyrroluric. That causes a deficiency of zinc and vitamin B6, and a low level of Arachidonic Acid (AA). Chilton recommends 300-360 mg EPA for adults and 40% that amount for children.
EPA suppresses production of AA by hindering Delta-5 Desaturase enzymes. Normally, this is good and desirable, but in Pyrroluria, it could further reduce vital AA. Secondly, this large amount DHA and other Very-Long-Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFA) can possibly be a problem for those many children (and Moms) who are hypothyroid and who do not beta-oxidize VLCFAs well. This can cause an overload of the peroxisomes of the cell and generate problems. Additionally, pyrroluria suppresses Cytochrome p450 (Phase I) liver enzymes, leading to a build up of toxins within the body. There are ways to enhance this pathway discussed herein. Be sure to choose fish oil that has undergone molecular distillation to remove the environmental contaminants of mercury and PCBs. I recommend you use the bulk oil, not capsules, for there is evidence the protein of the capsules prevents the oil (vitamin A) from being fully effective. Often, these capsules are actually concentrated vitamin A, and they do not supply the fatty acids of the bulk oil. Dale Alexander™ Brand (Twin Labs™) pure Norwegian oil is unmodified (sic)—just pure oil bottled under stringent Norwegian law. Kirkman supplies an oil that has not been fortified by palmitate. The Primrose oil will be more effective if taken with a sulfur-containing protein such as low fat cottage cheese, meat, or eggs. The cod-liver oil works best on an empty stomach. Fish oil supplements can cause diarrhea and gas.
Nordic Naturals™ Brand CLO has not been standardized to 4600-5000 IU of vitamin A as has Twin Labs™ and Kirkman’s. It contains only 1915 units of vitamin A per teaspoon. This enables you to use 5 full teaspoons of CLO from Nordic Naturals™ with less than 10,000 units of vitamin A.
Even breast-fed babies may need the extra DHA of fish oil—depending on the mother’s diet. One study found that the milk of well-fed, Nigerian women, whose diet was rich in nuts, had five to ten times the Omega-3 content of the average mother in this country. These findings are indicative of just how pitiful the standard American diet (SAD) has become. A low DHA level is said to be a marker for low serotonin, a vital neurotransmitter affecting behavior. Dr. Horrobin, MD, has noted that high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)–low docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fish oils like Kirunal™ have been the most effective in ADHD.
Patricia Kane says the enzyme Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) and Nitric Oxide (NO) formation is augmented by supplementation of DHA (now commercially available derived from algae) and marine oils. The autoimmune presentation of Autism may initially respond negatively to marine oils, DHA, or flax oil due to both the competitive inhibition of Omega-3s and Omega-6s (Prostaglandin-1 series appears to be suppressed in children with ASD), and the stimulation of NOS/NO towards the autoimmune process.
Kane says that elevation of EPA/DHA is characteristic in disturbances involving dysfunction (inhibition) of cytochrome p450 enzymes, NOS, and peroxisomals (detoxification/Prostaglandin synthesis in the cell). She says Omega-6 essential fatty acids (GLA, the precursor to the “good” PgE-1, as Evening Primrose oil) must be repleted and stabilized before Omega-3 supplementation commences. She says, “Consider carefully that the synthesis of prostaglandins is an oxidative process, therefore loading with antioxidants or the incorrect sequence of EFA repletion may impede progress in ASD presentation.” (Nevertheless, when supplementing with fatty acids, one must supplement with antioxidants, there being two aspects of oxidation—WSL.) As a result, Dr. Patricia Kane recommends six 500 mg capsules of Efamol™ Evening Primrose oil, and a few teaspoons of freshly ground flaxseed. After about six weeks, add one capsule of Efamol™ Omega Combination, or 2 to 4 capsules of Nordic Naturals DHA JR™ (contains 30 mg DHA, 20 mg EPA, and 20 mg other Omega 3 fatty acids with 210 IU vitamin A and 21 IU vitamin D per gelcap. Its gelatin content may make it undesirable to those on Gf/Cf diets.). For many this may not be enough. DHA Jr. contains full-bodied fish oil that can be chewed. It tastes like strawberries, with a fishy aftertaste that most kids tolerate.
If you have high EPA/DHA, this is indicative of
inhibited Phase I liver enzymes and a sluggish thyroid. The use of flax or
flax oil, as Kane recommends, may not be as effective as cod-liver oil as a
source of Omega-3, and the high
This could be, as several studies show, because pregnenolone overcomes the memory impairment caused by addictive substances and certain anti-anxiety drugs, or because it enhances production of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter necessary to memory and learning. Not only that, pregnenolone is involved in controlling sleep cycles, especially the phase that is associated with memory (called the random-eye movement phase). Studies show that it dramatically increases memory–enhancing sleep. It is interesting to note that administering pregnenolone to aged rats reversed their age-related memory deficits! It has also been shown that a lack of pregnenolone tends to a high level of anxiety, likely caused by overstimulation of NMDA receptors. Pregnenolone also increases the overall p450 enzyme detoxifying power by conserving the existing enzymes, promoting Phase I body-detoxification processes.
These herbs also enhance the Phase I detoxification function: Angelica, Licorice, Turmeric, Ginger, Milk Thistle, Pau D’Arco, Royal Jelly, Sheep Sorrel, carrageenans, and Ginkgo Biloba. Where the Phase I function is suppressed by mercury and cadmium, and excesses of VLCFAs are present, these can, as she says, be most beneficial, however, where Phase I is of normal function, the use of these can be very detrimental to PST children who have a reduced Phase II function. The exception being Turmeric that also enhances Phase II enzyme action. Angelica, Licorice, Turmeric, and Pau D’ Arco are potentially toxic to the liver and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (immune cells) and should only be used short term. Unfortunately, in many patients who have been exposed to diesel fumes, paint solvents, or trichloroethylene, pancreatitis can be associated with upregulation of the Phase I cytochrome P450 enzymes. Your medical professional should carefully monitor the use of these herbs in children.
Additionally, corticosteroids, specifically the adrenal hormone, hydrocortisone, with the thyroid hormone T3, increase PST enzyme expression three- to five-fold, specifically 75% with hydrocortisone (20 nM) and T3 (10 nM) invitro. This is because it prevents normal decay of these enzymes (half life is 43 hours)—Regulation of Phenol Sulfotransferase Expression in Cultured Bovine Bronchial Epithelial Cells by Hydrocortisone, Joe D. Beckmann, Mary Illig, and Ronald Bartzatt, University of Nebraska Medical Center. This explains why Kane suggests pregnenolone. I urge first a support of the burned-out adrenals and the thyroid as outlined elsewhere in this paper.
These same researchers found that Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) reduced activity of PST enzymes by 50%! Conversation with Professor Bartzatt indicated he was unsure what this would mean when supplementing P5P, but I think it worth noting, and would urge that P5P not be used in high amounts with PST affected children. It is said to equal 3 to 10 times the activity of Pyridoxine (vitamin B6), so we don’t need large amounts. With PST affected children, I would suggest 25 mg twice a day in addition to your usual vitamin B6 intake. Subsequently, Dr. Rosemary Waring has indicated this negative aspect of P5P is offset by adequate magnesium.
A study revealed that boys have a three-times higher
need for essential fatty acids than girls. This might be one explanation for
the larger number of boys experiencing difficulties in various areas of
learning and behavior. “Boys with lower levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in
their blood scored higher in frequency of behavior problems,” including
hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, temper tantrums, and sleep problems
according to research done at
Many ask about Efalex™. It doesn’t meet the usual needs of these children for there is no EPA, there is a high amount of arachidonic acid, it contains gelatin, and there are no vitamins A and D. Nevertheless, it would be good for any showing symptoms of Pyrroluria.
Essential Fatty Acids are the building blocks of the
membranes (gate keepers) of every cell in the body, with the brain
containing the most fats. The brain is 60% fat, and 30% of that is in the
form of the long-chain-fatty acids, especially DHA. Brain synapses require
long-chain-fatty acids to be efficient. The forebrain (the part used the
most for sustained attention) has the highest concentration of DHA. DHA,
along with vitamin A, is needed by the “rods” in the retina of the eye for
normal dark adaptation (seeing well in the dark, and adapting to bright
lights). It is required for proper fetal and infant brain development, and
has greatly benefited Cystic Fibrosis patients and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). It also helps lower high-blood pressure and heart
rate. Baby formulas usually do not include DHA, yet even breast fed children
may lack this essential brain food, depending on their mother’s dietary
intake. Infants given a formula fortified with DHA showed significantly
higher problem-solving ability indicating a higher IQ (Lancet
98;352:688-91). Adequate mineral content has a profound effect on a child’s
IQ. Those given enriched formula had IQ readings 14 points higher than those
on standard formula, and showed a lower incidence of cerebral palsy (BMJ
98;317:1981-1987). Adequate vitamin A beforehand will prevent damage from
the MMR vaccine that has now been shown to infect the gut of at least 1/3 of
the children with autism: Kawashima H, Mori T, Kashiwagi Y, Takekuma K,
Hoshika A, Wakefield A Department of Paediatrics,
Due to damage done by the MMR and DPT vaccine, these children need natural, unsaturated cis-forms of vitamin A found in cold-water fish like cod, and in liver, kidney, and milk fat, but they are not getting this in the modern diet. Instead, they are dependent on vitamin A Palmitate, found in commercial infant formula and low fat milk. Unfortunately, absorption of vitamin A. Palmitate requires an intact gut mucosal microvilli surface at the right pH, in the presence of bile for metabolism. Many of these children already have damaged mucosal surfaces due to unrecognized wheat allergy or intolerances, and many lack bile and necessary pH, and so cannot assimilate this vitamin A. Palmitate (a saturated fat) induces Insulin Resistance, which is reversed by the monounsaturated fat, Oleate: A new study reports a protective effect of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, against negative effects of palmitic acid, the most common dietary saturated fatty acid (and the form used in vitamin A supplements), in mouse skeletal muscle cells. Exposure of cells to palmitate caused insulin resistance and inflammation, increasing levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and downregulating the expression of genes that control the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscles. Exposure to oleate did not cause any of these effects. In fact, when cells were exposed to both palmitate and oleate, it reversed both inflammation and insulin signaling impairments by causing palmitate to be used in the production of triglycerides (rather than in an inflammation-producing pathway) and upregulating genes that regulate mitochondrial beta-oxidation (metabolism of fats for energy). This evidence is consistent with human studies that have shown, for example, that elevated IL-6 levels correlate most strongly with insulin resistance and human type II diabetes. It is also known that saturated fatty acids decrease insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients and healthy subjects, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids increase it. A good source of oleic acid is olive oil (with about 65% oleate).
Furthermore, this toxin (DPT) separates the G-alpha protein from retinoid receptors (Megson). According to Dr. Megson, if artificial vitamin A Palmitate binds the now free G-alpha protein, it deactivates by 90% the “off switch” for multiple metabolic pathways, involved in vision and cell growth, and disrupts hormonal regulation and metabolism of lipids, protein, and glycogen. Avoid the palmitate form of vitamin A. Additionally, most milk being bought is reduced fat, and then packaged in clear plastic bottles that have allowed the light to destroy from 40% to 90% of the vitamin A that was present! Buy your milk, if any, with full fat, and in cartons. Additionally, if on a milk-free diet, there is little vitamin D. In Northern Climes, or if not allowed in the sun, this major source for vitamin D is removed, leading to the very real possibility of rickets due to failure to absorb calcium. You must supplement vitamin D, and cod-liver oil provides that.
As far as DPT and other vaccinations are concerned, a review of literature produced a plethora of additional information relative to the known childhood reactions. These symptoms are also common with encephalitis: vomiting, flatulence, gastroenteritis, stomach aches, enuresis, constipation, loss of sphincter control, back-arching, dilation of pupils, lack of appetite, disturbances of sleep rhythm, severe headache, bulging of the skull, night terrors and chronic, sleep disturbances, violent respiration, breath holding (apnea), cyanosis, convulsions, development of autistic symptoms, profuse, soapy, yellow-green diarrhea, dry cough, crossing of the eyes, loss of coordination, severe stuttering and stammering, inability to swallow food, otitis with consequent hearing loss, dyslexia, dysgraphia, reading difficulties, inability to deal with abstractions, facial palsy, hypersalivation, involuntary grunting, changed sensitivity to pain, unusual sensitivity to heat, hyperacute hearing, flaccidity, severe one-sided paralysis, paraplegia, quadriplegia, arrested mental development, spasticities, clumsiness, deafness, unexplained seizures, development of Parkinson’s Disease later in life, intellectual and physical regression, development of left-handedness or ambidexterity, development of long-term effects in the absence of acute reaction, pronouncement of the Moro Reflex, unexplained changes in muscle tone, stiffness of the neck, sudden lapse into unconsciousness, unusual difficulty in arousal, and sudden death. The initial symptoms of post-vaccination encephalitis may be minimal, but this does not prevent other effects from manifesting later on, or mean that minimal brain damage has not occurred.