Trimethylglycine & Autism

Although treatment for autism often focuses on behavioral and play interventions, some doctors recommend the use of natural supplements to correct deficiencies. Supplementation of substances that the body naturally produces, like trimethlyglycine, may help keep the body’s processes running smoothly. Children with autism may have difficulties with the process of methylation in the body. The use of trimethylglycine may help normalize this process. However, talk to your doctor about a specific treatment plan.

Trimethylglycine

Trimethylglycine, also known as betaine, is a substance that the body naturally produces. It helps break down homocysteine, an amino acid produced by the body, which in excess leads to cardiovascular problems. The body normally can produce adequate amounts of trimethylglycine on its own and does not need to get it from foods or supplements. Some foods such as seeds, grains, and meat, contain trimethylglycine, but cooking and food processing often destroy it. Trimethylglycine may be used to treat people with high levels of homocysteine, but it may have harmful effects on cholesterol. The forms commonly used as trimethlyglycine supplements are betaine citrate and betaine aspartate.

Trimethylglycine and Methylation

Trimethylglycine -- along with folic acid, choline, vitamin B12, and S-adenosylmethione -- is a methyl donor. This means that it provides the body with methyl molecules, which are necessary for the body’s chemical processes, including liver function, detoxification and cell replication. An oral form of trimethylglycine is used to treat a genetic condition where the body cannot eliminate homocysteine. Trimethylglycine methylates homocysteine, meaning it removes it from circulation in the body. Poor methylation processes in the body may contribute to the symptoms and presentation of autism, according to an article in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."

Symptoms of Autism

Autism is a disorder typically diagnosed in young children, often before the age of 3. Three categories of symptoms must be present. The first is social interaction difficulties, which include difficulty playing with others and making eye contact, and misunderstanding social cues. The second is communication difficulties, which include language delays, repetition of words or phrases, unusual tone or prosody and difficulty carrying a conversation. The third category is repetitive behaviors or interests, which include lining up toys, rigid adherence to routines, hand flapping and toe walking. Treatment often focuses on behavioral therapeutic interventions; however, food allergies and vitamin or mineral deficiencies may play a role in symptom presentation, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Treatment of Autism with Trimethylglycine

A study on diet and nutrition for children with autism as part of the Autism Intervention Research Network for Physical Health study examined the dietary intake of betaine and choline for children with autism. The study found that these children had lower-than-recommended intakes of betaine and choline, which the researchers suggest may contribute to poor methylation abilities, according to an article published by the International Society for Autism Research. A nutritional intervention study presented at the 2003 Defeat Autism Now Conference found that taking folic acid and betaine -- trimethylglycine -- supplements led to increased antioxidant capacity as well as methylation capacity for children with autism, according to the Autism Research Institute. So it appears that supplementation with trimethylglycine may be beneficial in improving methylation processes in children with autism. However, research on trimethylglycine and autism is very limited. Talk to your doctor about this possible treatment option.

Trimethylglycine & Autism