What is Autism Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is an exciting new science using nutrition or FOOD to modify genetic expression. DNA is made up of just 4 letters- T A C and G. This is why the name of our clinc is TACGA using a combination of these letters.. These letters are arranged together in the body like “sentences”. We look at the “spelling” of your DNA to spot any “typos”. These are called “SNPs” or Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, which can be identified and treated.
Food provides nutrition and fuel for the body, but food chemicals also switch genes on and off. Specific dietary interventions can be used to improve outcomes for children on the autism spectrum. The power of this approach is that it is addressing the specific issues from the “bottom up” by improving the gene expression, rather than “top down” approaches which Band-Aid symptoms.
TACGA uses a specialist Autism sequence panel developed by Dr Heather Way to look at genes that have been specifically shown to be associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder through peer reviewed scientific research. These include genes for Inflammation, Socialisation, Neurotransmitters, Copper Zinc balance, cognitive function, Oxidative Stress, Methylation, Detoxification and Vitamin receptors. We are happy to work with your Biomed Dr, as sequence results help them see exactly what is going on for your child and direct more targeted interventions. Further therapies such as speech or OT are greatly enhanced as the child is better able to take in the information when the burden of inflammation and oxidative stress are lifted.
What is the process?
It’s so easy to do. A saliva sample or a 30 second painless cheek swab is all we need to get enough DNA to sequence. Swabs can be done in clinic in Brisbane, or do it yourself at home. DNA kits can be posted anywhere complete with comprehensive instructions and a short “how to” You-Tube video that can be used as a type of “social story” for your ASD child.
The DNA sequencing results are returned to the clinic within 8 weeks. We book a series of consultations to explain your DNA results and integrate them wth the other test results. We help you implement the natural food based interventions to favourably change gene expression.
Consultations can be in clinic in Brisbane, or via skype using shared screens for interstate, overseas or travel-constrained clients.
What are the results?
The results from a large Australia wide Government funded “Autism Health Initiative” study undertaken by Dr Heather Way (PhD) are currently being written up into several research paper at a leading university in Australia. The before and after ATEC surveys along with before and after pathology showed statistically significant improvements in all areas tested including socialisation, sensory issues, behaviour and communication.
We have many testimonials from parents about their autistic children who have been through the program outlining their results. These clips are used, with parent permission, to encourage other parents. They show what is possible if you are prepared make some dietary changes and stick to the supplementation protocol.
This world leading technology is delivered to you in an easy step by step program available for the cost of a few months of typical therapy sessions. This tool has been used to significantly improve the outcomes for hundreds of ASD children – without the use of drugs. The TACGA team can interpret the results for you and prepare a personalised intervention plan along with a personalised menu planner in follow up consultations.
REFERENCES:
Vitamin D and autism: clinical review. Kocovska, E., Fernell, E., Billstedt, E., et al. Research in Developmental Disabilities. 2012. Vol 33, Issue 5, 1541-1550
Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Calder PC. Nutrients. 2012 Mar;2(3):355-74.
Population and Family based studies associate the MTHFR gene and idopathic autism in simplex families. Liu, X., Solehdin, F., Cohen, I., et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2011. 41, 938-944.
Stress, Food, and Inflammation: Psychoneuroimmunology and Nutrition at the Cutting Edge. Kiecolt-Glaser, JK. Psychosomatic Medicine May 2010 vol. 72 no. 4, 365-369.
Association of COMT (Val158Met) and BDNF (Val66Met) gene polymorphisms with anxiety, ADHD, and tics in children with autistic spectrum disorder. Gadow, K., Roohi, J., DeVincent, C., et al. J Autism Dev Disorder. 2009. 39:1542-1551
Aberrations in folate metabolic pathway and aleterd susceptibility to autism. Chintakindi, K., et al. Psychiatric Genetics. 2009. Vol 19, Issue 4, 171-176
Assessment of metabolic parameters for autism spectrum disorders. Rao, A., Koch, S., Kumar, S., et al. Online J Health Allied Sciences. 2009. 8(1):1
The dietary histone deacetylase inhibitor sulforaphane induces human B-defensin-2 in intestinal epithelial cells. Schwab, M., Reynders, V., Loitch, S. et al. Immunology. 2008. 125, 241-251
Pro inflammatory and regulatory cytokine production associated with innate and adaptive immune responses in children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental regression. Jyonouchi H, Sun S, Le H. J Neuroimmunol. 2001;120(1-2):170-9.
Metabolic and related genotypes are associated with oxidative stress in children with autism. James, S., Melnyk, S., Jernigan, S., et al. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics. Vol 141 B, Issue 8, 947-956
Nutrigenomics article pdf,www.cell-logic.com.au June 2013. Nutrigenomics – taking nutritional medicine to the next level. Houghton C.
PNAS Volume 111, no 43, September 4, 2014. Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Singh K, Connors S, Macklin E, Smith K, Fahey J, Talalay P, Zimmerman A.