PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwired - November 18, 2014) - An October 2014 study from Harvard/MassGeneral and Johns Hopkins researchers titled, "Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)," which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reported promising improvement to some symptoms of certain types of autism.
Participants of the study were given sulforaphane, a phytochemical, which has been identified in high concentration in broccoli sprouts. Young men receiving sulforaphane instead of placebo showed substantial improvement in behavior, social interaction and verbal communication. The improvements in behavior were confirmed by both caregivers and by professionals who study autism. When participants in the study stopped taking sulforaphane, their behavioral scores reverted to pretreatment levels.
The rationale behind using sulforaphane was because of its known ability to reverse attributes of ASD, such as, "oxidative stress, lower antioxidant capacity, depressed glutathione synthesis, reduced mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation, increased lipid peroxidation, and neuroinflammation."1
Kirkman® nutraceutical company spoke with corresponding study author Dr. Paul Talalay of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine on whether there could be any other same, similar or analogous substances that might, theoretically, deliver the same or similar health supporting benefits and/or symptom-reduction effects in autism.
"Since we believe that one of the principal mechanisms of action of sulforaphane is by boosting the intrinsic genes that protect cells against oxidative stress and inflammation, other plant and synthetic chemicals are known that have similar actions," Dr. Talalay said.
Kirkman® is also very concerned about minimizing oxidative stress damage for individuals whom Kirkman® serves. For example, antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals; therefore antioxidants may retard the process of oxidative stress damage.
Kirkman® offers many options that are Ultra Tested® for purity in its antioxidant line. One of these, Kirkman's Antioxidant/Cell Protect is a comprehensive blend of powerful antioxidant nutrients including vitamin A from mixed carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, in a matrix of four of the strongest antioxidant compounds available including coenzyme Q-10, lycopene, pycnogenol, and resveratrol. Supplementing this product along with your normal supplement regimen will provide excellent antioxidant activity and cell protection from free radicals.
Kirkman's Ultra Tested® Glutathione Assist contains a combination of nutrients that assist the body in manufacturing glutathione, an integral part of the immune system and detoxification pathway.
Kirkman's Ultra Tested® supplements are screened for over 950 environmental contaminants, so you can rest assured that you are providing your family with supplements that have been purity tested to a greater degree than any others in the world! You can read more about Ultra Tested® here.
Individuals with special dietary requirements and individuals with special needs often have elevated oxidative stress. There are laboratory markers that measure levels of antioxidant compounds present in the body. Your physician can consult with you about appropriate testing and subsequent supplementation with antioxidants.
The Food & Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
About Kirkman®
Kirkman® is the leading manufacturer of nutritional supplements for individuals with special sensitivities and dietary requirements. Founded in 1949, Kirkman® is also the oldest nutritional supplement company serving the special needs community. This experience has allowed Kirkman® to pioneer effective products in many areas of nutritional supplementation for individuals with special health needs. To learn more about Kirkman®, visit the company's website at http://kirkmanlabs.com/.
1 Singh, K., Connors, S. L., Macklin, E. A., Smith, K. D., Fahey, J. W., Talalay, P., & Zimmerman, A. W. (2014). Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PNAS, 111(43), 15550-15555. Retrieved from www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1416940111. Last accessed November 12, 2014.
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Kulani Mahikoa
V.P. Marketing
Kirkman Group, Inc.
Telephone: 503-694-1600