A New Fan Asked if there was an benefits for children with autism.

In Response I created this Post From Immunotec.com and Pub Med [icon icon=”search” size=”” spin=”” pull=”” border=”” color=””]

MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Immunotec and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Collaborate on New Autism Study using Immunocal®

MONTREAL, QC, July 13, 2011 - Immunotec Inc. (TSX-V: IMM)(www.immunotec.com/IRL/Public/en/USA/products_overview.wcp?)
announces that Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Florida is conducting a study to determine the effects of Immunocal on the behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Immunocal, a whey protein isolate, is Immunotec’s flagship product.

The primary focus of the two-year study is to determine if children diagnosed with autism would exhibit improved behaviours after consuming the cysteine-rich whey proteins in Immunocal during the course of the 90-day observation period. The outcome could be a better quality of life, both for the children and their families. The principal investigator of the NSU-Immunotec study is Ana Maria Castejon, Ph.D., an associate professor at the College of Pharmacy. She and her research team are very enthusiastic about the potential outcomes. “Parents and caregivers are trying different approaches that have gained significant popularity, but have not been proven to be effective,” Castejon said.

Dr. Gary S. Margules, Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer at NSU, echoes Dr. Castejon’s optimism, calling the study an

“outstanding example of the multidisciplinary approach to clinical research”.

Immunotec President, Stuart MacMillan welcomes the announcement of the study.

“Immunotec has a long history of collaboration with leading researchers and scientists.

Dr. Castejon and her co-investigators at NSU’s Mailman Segal Center of Human Development have vast experience in children with developmental disorders, specifically in the area of autism behaviors and we are proud to be working with them on this study.” Both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Health Canada note that as many as 1 in 150 children worldwide are affected and the numbers are rising. Treatment for autism is usually centered on special schooling and behavioral therapy, and other conventional medical treatments.
“This joint collaborative clinical research initiative marks an important milestone for Immunotec in the field of autism; we are proud to partner with NSU in this study,” said John Molson, Immunotec Vice-President, Research and Development.

Excerpts from Pub Med

Oral Tolerability of Cysteine-Rich Whey Protein Isolate in Autism-A Pilot Study

Janet K. Kern1, Bruce D. Grannemann1, Jimmy Gutman2, Muadhukar H. Trivedi1
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 2McGill University, Canada and Immunotec Inc. Montreal, QC Canada

JANA Vol. 11, No. 1, 2008

Abstract: Purpose: To examine the tolerability of non-denatured whey protein isolate (NWPI) in children with autism. Many children with autism are low in glutathione and have higher levels of oxidative stress. NWPI can raise glutathione levels and reduce oxidative stress. However, anecdotal reports suggest that NWPI may be problematic in children with autism because it contains cysteine and other sulfurated amino acids.

Methods: A 6-week open-label trial was conducted, supplementing 10 children with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 3-15 years of age, with NWPI (Immunocal). To measure possible side effects, procedures that examined the frequency, intensity, and types of side effects, as well as behavioral measures, were completed at baseline, and at days 3, 14, 30 and 45.

Results: Seven of the ten children took the supplement over the six-week trial and tolerated it well. Two children discontinued after two weeks due to possible side effects: one due to gastrointestinal disturbance and one due to being less responsive to parents. Another child discontinued due to difficulty of administering the product.

Conclusions: This study suggests that NWPI can be used as a supplement for this small population of children with autism without high rates of side effects, which means that further studies to determine its safety and efficacy in larger populations might yield the same promising result. Larger studies are planned to determine its efficacy in raising glutathione levels.

Here is a guideline that the company gave us a while ago for the recommended Immunocal dosages for children
 
 
Recommended Daily Dosage of Immunocal for Children from Immunotec Research
 

• 1/4 teaspoon 3 lbs.
• 1/2 teaspoon 6 lbs.
• 1 teaspoon 12 lbs.
• 2 teaspoons 24 lbs.
• 3 teaspoons 48 lbs.
• 4 teaspoons 70 lbs.

There are about 8 teaspoons in a package, 30 packages in a box.
 
The above dosage is for healthy children, to maintain good health.
 
Those children with real health concerns, or a temporary illness, should take a double dosage per day.  There are NO SIDE EFFECTs and you cannot overdose on Immunocal.

A Second Study is being conducted and when Peer reviewed will be shared with the public