In people with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, the chemical processes of the body are thought to be different. One method of treatment is to supplement various body chemicals to help correct abnormalities. Use of ribose, a carbohydrate needed to produce adenosine triphosphate, ATP, and thus energy to the body, may help correct abnormal chemical processes in autism.
Ribose
Ribose helps the body produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy to the body's cells. There is strong scientific support for use of ribose in treating heart disease patients. When the heart does not receive enough oxygen, such as during a heart attack, levels of ATP drastically drop, and stay low for some time. Ribose supplementation helps to restore levels of ATP and get the heart back to normal functioning faster. This implies the usefulness of ribose in better heart functioning and exercise ability. By supplying ATP to the muscles, ribose may help improve sports performance by more quickly providing energy to the muscles. However, research has not shown that ribose supplementation leads to enhanced exercise performance. Ribose may also be useful in improving mental function, but studies have not shown this to be true.
Autism
Autism is one disorder that falls on the autism spectrum, in which patients demonstrate symptoms such as communication deficits, impairments in social interaction, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. A diagnosis of autism requires deficits in all three areas. Communication deficits may include delayed language, absence of language, trouble holding a reciprocal conversation, and misreading body language. Social interaction deficits may include poor eye contact, misreading facial expressions, poor emotional control, and difficulty seeing things from another's perspective. Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior may include toe walking or hand flapping, repeating words, lining up toys, and rigidity in routines.
Impact of Ribose on Autism
According to Dr. James Adams, a researcher from Arizona State University, children with autism have lower levels of ATP, and therefore, difficulties with mitochondrial functioning, or energy production. They also have lower levels of glutathione and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide -- NDAH -- which helps convert glutathione. Both ATP and NADH are produced from ribose, so using it as a treatment has been suggested for children with autism to help correct these metabolic imbalances.
Studies of Ribose and Autism
Few studies have been published that examine the specific effects of ribose on autism. A study published in the "Autism Insights" journal examined the effect of ribose supplementation in children with autism, and found that ribose and ATP levels, as well as folic acid and NDAH, were increased after ribose therapy. These changes in biochemistry are thought to help children with autism correct these potential deficits in the body's chemical processes. However, this study is preliminary and on a small scale. More extensive research needs to be conducted on the efficacy of ribose supplementation. Ask your doctor before using it for your treatment or your child's.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Ribose; 2011
- Libertas Academia; Biochemical Effects of Ribose and NADH Therapy in Children with Autism; Freedenfeld, et al.; 2011
- The Autism Clinic; Study Finds Nutritional and Metabolic Deficiencies in ASD; James B. Adams, Ph.D.; 2011
- National Institute of Mental Health; Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders); 2010
