My son is a patient of yours. He is 7 yrs. old, autistic, and non verbal.

I heard a story on Global News last night about a doctor in Chicago (Dr. Charles Chez.....can't find him on the Web), that is using a natural supplement to treat kids with Autism.

It is called Carnoware. It is a combination of Carnosine, Zinc and Vitamin E. Apparently having alot of success in helping kids with Autism with their development.

I've emailed the TV station for more info. I've contacted several different health food stores....NOBODY has heard of it.

Do you have any information on Carnoware? Is it available in Canada?

My son is taking Risperidone. I did a little research on the Web for drug interations. From what I read, no known side effects taking Carnoware and no drug interactions with Risperidone.

I would appreciate any information you have on this. Even if I find a health food store that carries it. Don't know if they would have any information on dosage for a 7 year old.

Please let me have your thoughts on this.

Yes I know of him and am aware of his research. Dr. Michael Chez, is Pediatric Neurologist, (Dr. Chez has been very involved with research in autism and epilepsy, aphasia and auto immunity) He has a foundation. He works out of Lake Forest hospital which is a suburb of Chicago.

The Address: Lake Forest Hospital 800 N Westmoreland Road Suite 100, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

Phone: 847.735.0300

I am aware of his work I am not against trying it if you can get the diet. I do believe there may be some merit, however, more research is needed. Please find below some info on the rationale of this therapy.

Carnosine is the main component of this diet and it is an Amino acid. A recent case-control study by Belgian researchers found that plasma concentrations of tryptophan were significantly lower in a group of autistic teenagers than in age-matched controls. Investigators conjectured that this imbalance may be an important factor in the pathophysiology of autism.

High levels of excitatory neurotransmitter amino acids, such as glutamic acid and aspartic acid, have been observed in younger children with autism. These imbalances may be related to metabolic dysfunction involving Vitamin B6. This study also reported higher levels of the inhibitory amino acid taurine in the children, which may occur as their bodies try to "compensate" for excess levels of the excitatory neurotransmitters.

Levels of amino acids secreted in urine can also provide important clues about dietary and digestive factors influencing autism. A study published in JAMA reported that children with severe development disorder involving both autism and psychosis may have excessive levels of phenylalanine, a condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU), which can lead to brain damage and seizures.

Jon Pangborn, PhD, a leading expert on aminoacidopathies, observes that 24-hour urinary amino acid analysis in children with developmental disorders often reveals imbalances signifying maldigestion-such as elevated dietary peptides and their markers (anserine, Carnosine, 1-methylhistidine, and beta-alanine). In addition, there may be deficiencies of essential and semi-essential amino acids, especially the sulfur amino acids methionine, cystine, and taurine, suggesting chronic digestive dysfunction which can lead to dysbiosis (imbalanced microbial flora) over time.

There are some studies going on in the UK with it for anti aging (and so I may want to try it too) Not sure how reputable and about others and don't have much time to look into it today -so here is the link http://www.med4u.co.uk/BM_HT_completherpy_supp.asp

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