Rare Form of Autism Could Be Curable With Protein Supplements

ananyo writes "A rare, hereditary form of autism has been found — and it may be treatable with protein supplements. Genome sequencing of six children with autism has revealed mutations in a gene that stops several essential amino acids being depleted. Mice lacking this gene developed neurological problems related to autism that were reversed by dietary changes (abstract). According to Joseph Gleeson, a child neurologist at the University of California, San Diego, who led the study, 'This might represent the first treatable form of autism.' It is possible that some other forms of autism may also be linked to uncommon metabolic disorders — and so treatable through dietary changes, according to the scientists quoted in the piece."

Comments

Re:Can it also cure

[AK Marc]

No, you need the autism vaccine for that.

Re:Feed them meat, you hippies!

[formfeed]

I knew it!
People who don't eat meat are weird.
(Brought to you by the American beef council)

In related news:
Cannibalistic ancestors help against prion diseases.
(Brought to you by the American flesh council)

Re:Cure who?

[Anonymous Coward]

So if it's easily identified in children of parents that are first cousins... maybe we should just let them know they shouldn't get their family pregnant.

Re:Feed them meat, you hippies!

[tehcyder]

I'm gluten intolerant, and removing gluten from my food tremendously improved my life

Well, yes, it would wouldn't it? That's like saying that someone who would die of anaphylactic shock if stung by a bee has improved their quality of life remarkably by avoiding getting stung by bees.