A quarterly publication of the Autism Research Institute
Winter, 2017 | Number 1, Volume 31
A new study offers insights into how nutritional supplements may benefit children with ASD and mitochondrial disease. Approximately 5% of children with ASD have classic mitochondrial disease, while up to 50% of children with ASD may have biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction.
The study, by Leanna Delhey and colleagues, evaluated the mitochondrial function of individuals with ASD who were taking or abstaining from supplements that affect the mitochondria. The researchers analyzed data collected on 127 children with ASD, all between three and fourteen years of age. Of these participants, 15% were clinically diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. In addition, the study used data from 68 neurotypical individuals matched for age and gender.
The researchers measured the effects of specific mitochondrial supplements on the activity of three mitochondrial components—ETC Complexes I and IV and citrate synthase—using swabs from inside participants’ cheeks. They note, “We not only examined the absolute level of activity of mitochondrial components, but also the relationship between the components, to better understand whether treatments not only modulated the activity level but how the mitochondrial components work together.”
They report, “Complex I activity was increased by fatty acid and folate supplementation, but folate only affected those with mitochondrial disease. Citrate synthase activity was increased by antioxidant supplementation but only for the mitochondrial disease subgroup. The relationship between Complex I and IV was modulated by folate while the relationship between Complex I and citrate synthase was modulated by both folate and B12.”
The researchers conclude, “This study provides empirical support for common mitochondrial treatments and demonstrates that the relationship between activities of mitochondrial components might be a marker to follow in addition to absolute activities.” In addition, they say it indicates that noninvasive techniques such as buccal swabs may be very useful in monitoring the biochemical effects of mitochondrial-targeted treatments.
“The effect of mitochondrial supplements on mitochondrial activity in children with autism spectrum disorder,” Leanna M. Delhey, Ekim Nur Kilinc, Li Yin, John C. Slattery, Marie L. Tippett, Shannon Rose, Sirish C. Bennuri, Stephen G. Kahler, Shirish Damle, Agustin Legido, Michael J. Goldenthal, and Richard E. Frye, Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 13, 2017 (free online). Address: Richard Frye, [email protected].
