NEW - FLOW CHART showing how MSG and autism are connected.
BREAKING NEWS: The most recent research as of February 17, 2007 shows that two areas of the genome have been found to play a role in autism. This is a huge vindication for those of us who have long suspected free glutamic acid plays a role in the rise of autism. See the following link to the Scientific American article:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleid=D7C80F75-E7F2-99DF-3F71D9FC07888C4F&chanId=sa017
Neurexin 1
The first genetic player in autism is Neurexin 1 which codes for proteins involved in building glutamate synapses - the very locations where glutamate is used as a neurotransmitter by the nerve cells.
For a comprehensive flow chart showing exactly how MSG and free glutamic acid in the diet and in vaccines affects the body see the following FLOWCHART.
The Amygdala and Fear Response in Autistic Children
The latest research about autism links overstimulation of the amygdala in the brain to perceiving faces as threatening. This explains why autistic children avoid the gaze of others.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=000A84C7-F984-1228-B98483414B7F0000
It should be noted that the NMDA receptors that respond to both glutamate and aspartate (the amino acid found in aspartame) are found in the amygdala. The amygdala is part of the limbic system and is involved in the perception of taste and smell as well as fear.
A link about glutamate receptors in the amygdala:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?holding=npg&cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11830172&dopt=Abstract
Could ingestion of MSG and aspartame, by stimulating the amygdala, result in the perceptions and behaviours typically associated with autism?
Mercury
MMR Vaccine
MMR vaccines have come under scrutiny recently due to autism rates in Scotland climbing 18% in just one year. Also, other vaccines have been suspected as well. Gelatin is one of the common ingredients in vaccines, as well as mercury.
Here is the ingredient list of an MMR vaccine:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/m/MMRII.htm
It should be noted that gelatin is 10% free, active glutamic acid:
http://www.gelatin.co.za/gltn1.html
A new "study" in one Japanese city has shown that since MMR vaccines were stopped in 1993, autism rates continued to rise. Some are claiming that it proves no link between autism and vaccines. However, it was only one city in a country that consumes the most MSG, and fish (a dietary source of mercury) in the world. And, it was only one vaccine that was stopped - the MMR. Other vaccines that were continued may include both mercury and free glutamic acid. Compared to both the amount of mercury consumed in fish, and the amount of MSG consumed in the diet, the MMR contribution of mercury and MSG was probably a small contribution to what a typical Japanese child is exposed to. Autism rates in Japan still increased. Children from other countries with a lower consumption of fish and MSG may find a correlation between a vaccine and autism - such as Scotland did. A rise when a vaccine is introduced as opposed to no reduction when the vaccine is stopped. Perhaps in Japan, the diet plays more of a role in autism than the vaccines. However, in a different country with different diets, the role of vaccines in autism may be plainer to observe.
Regardless of the controversy and whether mercury or vaccines cause autism, we still question the wisdom of including both free glutamic acid and mercury in any vaccine since it WILL put children at greater risk of mercury poisoning by concurrently poisoning the child with mercury and hindering the ability of a child to rid themselves of that mercury.
For more information about autism climbing and its possible link to MMR vaccines:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/2224126.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/2232111.stm
http://www.sundayherald.com/21347
http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/March2002/ExpertSaysMMRWillBeProved.htm
NOTE: We would be remiss if we did not mention TEACCH, an organization which helps address the behaviours of autism in an effort to enable autistic children and adults to lead productive lives in society. For while the causes of autism are still being investigated, these children are growing up and need to enter our society in meaningful ways. We should be ready to welcome them.
http://www.teacch.com/welcome.html
Gluten-Free, Casein-Free (GFCF) Diet
Current treatments
for autism include gluten-free and casein-free diets.
A current theory is that incomplete breakdown of gluten and
casein result in the formation of casomorphins and gliadorphins, morphine-like
compounds which act on the brain. Another theory (ours) is based on the fact
that 15.5% of all the amino acids in wheat are glutamic acid in its
free or active form and 22.9% of the amino acids present are aspartic acid
in its free and active form (which can be converted to glutamate in only one
step). In fact, wheat gluten is a considerable source of
"natural" MSG in the diet. Items containing casein, like cheese, also are high
in free glutamic acid. For example - 18.5 % of the amino acids found
in cheddar cheese are free (active) glutamic acid. Parents helping
their child adhere to a strict gluten-free, casein (dairy) -free diet may
wish to consider also eliminating tomato from their child's diet as well, if
glutamate is suspect, since 34.2% of all the amino acids present in a tomato
are specifically free, active glutamate.
For more information about autism and diet see the following links:
Autism Network for Dietary
Intervention (ANDI)
Autism Society of America
The Autism Research Unit
(Sunderland, UK) - The Use of Gluten and Casein Free Diets with People with
Autism
GFCF Diet - Gluten Free Casein
Free Diet Support Group
McDonalds French Fries
Be aware that foods stating "natural flavor" on the label can be made from
wheat and dairy products. As of February 22, 2006, McDonalds is in legal
trouble after admitting their french fries which had been labeled
gluten-free actually contain beef, wheat and dairy products due to the use
of a "seasoning" placed into the oil where the fries are precooked before
being shipped to restaurants. McDonalds spokespeople don't think the
fries contain enough allergens or protein to cause a problem - or to label -
but consumers are angry at not being told that dairy and wheat products were
involved at all. Let the consumer be informed then they can decide to
take the risk. Parents with autistic and celiac children are furious
at being deliberately misled. Currently, there are three lawsuits
pending.
The fact that McDonalds spokespeople are stating that there is no more protein left in the "seasoning" - tells this food scientist that the entire reason for using this "seasoning" is because it probably contains free glutamic acid broken down from the high glutamate containing protein foods mentioned (beef, wheat, and milk) - another way of flavoring their fries as if they were using MSG, without having to label it as such. Very clever, but completely unethical.
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AUTISM SYMPTOMS Timothy
Syndrome-cardiac arrhythmia
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