UNIT 7 – 11 CAMs PART 8
15. stem cell therapy
16. vitamin/supplement therapy
NOTE: PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs) treatments are still very controversial and may even be very dangerous. Before starting any treatment program, investigate thoroughly, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS talk to your child’s doctor first.
(NOTE: ‘Intervention’ disclaimer is also provided in introduction to INTERVENTIONS, and in OTHER THERAPIES)
PLEASE READ DISCLAIMERS –
15. stem cell therapy
16. vitamin/supplement therapy
NOTE: PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs) treatments are still very controversial and may even be very dangerous. Before starting any treatment program, investigate thoroughly, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS talk to your child’s doctor first.
(NOTE: ‘Intervention’ disclaimer is also provided in introduction to INTERVENTIONS, and in OTHER THERAPIES)
PLEASE READ DISCLAIMERS –
UNIT 7 – 11 CAMs PART 8
15. stem cell therapy
16. vitamin/supplement therapy
15. Stem Cell Therapy
The Alternative and Complementary Treatments (CAMs), not sufficiently supported by medical literature, include stem cell therapy. Siniscalco, et al. (2012) say that available treatments can be found based on the theory that stem cell transplantation could offer a unique tool to provide better resolution for autism. Stem cell therapy is said to have the potential for improving the effects of ASD, because Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) have the ability to migrate to sites of injury and participate in the repair process. But these strategies are limited, partially because the exact causes of autism are unknown.
Aigner et al. (2014) contribute that autism is a ‘neurodevelopmental’ disorder with symptoms to include intellectual disability, seizures, anxiety, aggression, and sleep disorders. Current treatments are focusing on educational and behavioral interventions aimed at improving maladaptive behaviors and promoting social interactions. Because autism is possibly heritable, landmark studies are including the use of stem cells; both embryonic and patient-derived. It is proposed that these advances offer and opportunity to advance or at least help to understand the ASD pathology.
Mazonson et al. (2017) measured conditions under which umbilical cord blood (UCB) might be stored for future use. They continue to say that millions of units of UCB are stored in private cord blood banks. Now the medical community is gathering data which could impact this need for stem cell storage. For example, the donor or the donor’s family may use UCB to treat conditions they may face in the years ahead; conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
**Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do.
15. stem cell therapy
16. vitamin/supplement therapy
15. Stem Cell Therapy
The Alternative and Complementary Treatments (CAMs), not sufficiently supported by medical literature, include stem cell therapy. Siniscalco, et al. (2012) say that available treatments can be found based on the theory that stem cell transplantation could offer a unique tool to provide better resolution for autism. Stem cell therapy is said to have the potential for improving the effects of ASD, because Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) have the ability to migrate to sites of injury and participate in the repair process. But these strategies are limited, partially because the exact causes of autism are unknown.
Aigner et al. (2014) contribute that autism is a ‘neurodevelopmental’ disorder with symptoms to include intellectual disability, seizures, anxiety, aggression, and sleep disorders. Current treatments are focusing on educational and behavioral interventions aimed at improving maladaptive behaviors and promoting social interactions. Because autism is possibly heritable, landmark studies are including the use of stem cells; both embryonic and patient-derived. It is proposed that these advances offer and opportunity to advance or at least help to understand the ASD pathology.
Mazonson et al. (2017) measured conditions under which umbilical cord blood (UCB) might be stored for future use. They continue to say that millions of units of UCB are stored in private cord blood banks. Now the medical community is gathering data which could impact this need for stem cell storage. For example, the donor or the donor’s family may use UCB to treat conditions they may face in the years ahead; conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
**Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do.
16. Vitamin/Supplement Therapy
Liu, et al. (2017) studied 64, 1 to 8-year-old children with ASD and also did a 6-month follow-up study using Vitamin A. They selected Vitamin A because it is known to regulate central nervous system development by in turn promoting intestinal immunity. The purpose was that Vitamin A has been known to increase beneficial microbiota; thus, benefiting some of the symptoms of autism. Conclusions were that Vitamin A may help some of the symptoms related to ASD.
The only published piece found on Vitamin B12 was by Malhotra, et al. (2013). This one studied a 14-year-old boy with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). He was injected intramuscularly daily for 5 days, then weekly for 8 weeks. After 2 months there seemed to be no improvement in his speech. But after 4 months there was improvement in his inappropriate pacing, touching and tapping behavior. He also could now sit in one place for about an hour. His parents reported a definite improvement in his condition. It has been proposed that oxidative stress, which may be caused by depleted Vitamin B12, may contribute to autism.
Hashemzadeh, et al. (2015) have stated that this is a case-controlled study of 13 children (3-year-old to 12-year-old) with ASD, Among the test group were children who were considered to have moderate to severe autism. They pointed out first that Vitamin D is not a true vitamin but a steroid that is produced by a chemical cascade when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. One of the reasons this study was pursued, according to the authors, was because children with ASD seem to have reduced levels of Vitamin D, compared to children without ASD. But they found no significant relationship with serum levels to the severity of autism. They felt that Vitamin D had no effects.
Cannell (2010) claims that concentrates of Vitamin D deficiencies during early childhood, and/or during the gestational period; especially in early pregnancy may play a part in autism. Also, that low levels of Vitamin D may come from lack of adequate sunshine. Either way, the author suggests that Vitamin D supplements could be given year-round if needed, because they are available and inexpensive and may affect autism symptoms.
Siri (2015) says children with autism as a group have notoriously poor nutrition coupled with vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This may be due, in part to extreme eating habits, because they are notoriously picky eaters. Deficiencies are also likely due to a tendency towards malabsorption of nutrients.
U.S. Food (2010) found that ‘added’ food ingredients have been used for many years to preserve, flavor, blend, thicken and color foods, and have played an important role in reducing serious nutritional deficiencies among consumers. These ingredients also help ensure the availability of flavorful, nutritious, safe, convenient, colorful and affordable foods that help to meet consumer expectations year-round.
Adding vitamin supplement nutrients to a cereal employs a variety of techniques in the food fortification process. In general, those nutrients that are heat stable; such as vitamins A and E and various minerals. These are incorporated into the cereal itself; they're baked in. Nutrients that are not stable to heat, such as B-vitamins, are applied directly to the cereal after all heating steps are completed. Each cereal is unique. Some can handle more nutrients than others can. This is one reason why fortification levels are different across all cereals.
Food manufacturers are required to list all ingredients in the food on the label. On a product label, the ingredients are listed in order of predominance, with the ingredients used in the greatest amount first; followed in descending order by those in smaller amounts.
Siri (2015) implies that ‘bacteriotherapy’ might be helpful in other ways for those with autism. That some supplements may help in keeping the ‘gut’ free of undigested material and prevent putrefaction, which might lead to pathogenic bacterial blooms and yeast problems. Giving ‘probiotics’ and ‘prebiotics’ after a meal to maximize absorption, such as stomach acid, might be considered.
Patel & DuPont (2015), add ‘synbiotics’ to that group. In their article they define ‘bacteriotherapy’ as to include all three, ‘probiotics’ and ‘prebiotics’, because they each have slightly different agents. They describe ‘probiotics as ‘living bacteria or fungi that benefit the host; as having nondigestible compounds that favorably change intestinal microbiota. And, ‘synbiotics’ are defined as products that contain/combine both ‘probiotics’ and ‘prebiotics’. All three are used to treat and prevent an array of diseases. The human gut microbiota plays an important role in human health.
REFERENCES: UNIT 7 – 11 CAMS PART 8 – 15. stem cell therapy 16. Vitamin/supplements
Aigner, S., Heckel, T., et al. (2014). Human pluripotent stem cell models of autism spectrum disorder: emerging frontiers, opportunities, and challenges towards neuronal networks in a dish; Psychopharmacology; V231, p1089-1104.
Cannell, J. (2010). On the Aetiology of Autism; Acta Paediatrica; V99:8, p1128-1130.
Hashemzadeh, M., Moharreri, F., et al. (2015). Comparative study of Vitamin D levels in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and normal children: A Case-control Study; Fundamentals of Mental Health; July/August; p197-201.
Liu, J., et al. (2017). Effect of Vitamin A supplement on gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder: a Pilot Study; BioMed Central Microbiology; V17:204.
Malhotra, S., Subodh, B., et al. (2013). Brief Report: Childhood Disintegrative Disorder as a Likely Manifestation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V43, p2207-2210.
Mazonson, P., Kane, M., et al.( (2017). Prevalence of Medical Conditions Potentially Amenable to Cellular Therapy among Families Privately Storing Umbilical Cord Blood; Maternal Child Health Journal; V21; p208-214.
Patel, R. & DuPont, H. (2015). New Approaches for Bacteriotherapy; Prebiotics, New-Generation Probiotics, and Synbiotics; Clinical Infectious Diseases; Supplement 2, V60, p108-121.
Siniscalco, D., Sapone, A., et al. (2012). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Is Mesenchymal Stem Cell Personalized Therapy for the Future?; Journal of Biomedicine & Biotechnology; V2012.
Siri, K. (2015). 1,001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys; eBook Edition.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) (2010). Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors; Retrieved online from – https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/overview-food-ingredients-additives-colors/
APPENDIX
See FOOD ADDITIVE APPENDIX document from –
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) (2010). Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors; Retrieved online from – https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/overview-food-ingredients-additives-colors/
DISCLAIMER (2024) Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2024
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us. Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
Liu, et al. (2017) studied 64, 1 to 8-year-old children with ASD and also did a 6-month follow-up study using Vitamin A. They selected Vitamin A because it is known to regulate central nervous system development by in turn promoting intestinal immunity. The purpose was that Vitamin A has been known to increase beneficial microbiota; thus, benefiting some of the symptoms of autism. Conclusions were that Vitamin A may help some of the symptoms related to ASD.
The only published piece found on Vitamin B12 was by Malhotra, et al. (2013). This one studied a 14-year-old boy with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). He was injected intramuscularly daily for 5 days, then weekly for 8 weeks. After 2 months there seemed to be no improvement in his speech. But after 4 months there was improvement in his inappropriate pacing, touching and tapping behavior. He also could now sit in one place for about an hour. His parents reported a definite improvement in his condition. It has been proposed that oxidative stress, which may be caused by depleted Vitamin B12, may contribute to autism.
Hashemzadeh, et al. (2015) have stated that this is a case-controlled study of 13 children (3-year-old to 12-year-old) with ASD, Among the test group were children who were considered to have moderate to severe autism. They pointed out first that Vitamin D is not a true vitamin but a steroid that is produced by a chemical cascade when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. One of the reasons this study was pursued, according to the authors, was because children with ASD seem to have reduced levels of Vitamin D, compared to children without ASD. But they found no significant relationship with serum levels to the severity of autism. They felt that Vitamin D had no effects.
Cannell (2010) claims that concentrates of Vitamin D deficiencies during early childhood, and/or during the gestational period; especially in early pregnancy may play a part in autism. Also, that low levels of Vitamin D may come from lack of adequate sunshine. Either way, the author suggests that Vitamin D supplements could be given year-round if needed, because they are available and inexpensive and may affect autism symptoms.
Siri (2015) says children with autism as a group have notoriously poor nutrition coupled with vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This may be due, in part to extreme eating habits, because they are notoriously picky eaters. Deficiencies are also likely due to a tendency towards malabsorption of nutrients.
U.S. Food (2010) found that ‘added’ food ingredients have been used for many years to preserve, flavor, blend, thicken and color foods, and have played an important role in reducing serious nutritional deficiencies among consumers. These ingredients also help ensure the availability of flavorful, nutritious, safe, convenient, colorful and affordable foods that help to meet consumer expectations year-round.
Adding vitamin supplement nutrients to a cereal employs a variety of techniques in the food fortification process. In general, those nutrients that are heat stable; such as vitamins A and E and various minerals. These are incorporated into the cereal itself; they're baked in. Nutrients that are not stable to heat, such as B-vitamins, are applied directly to the cereal after all heating steps are completed. Each cereal is unique. Some can handle more nutrients than others can. This is one reason why fortification levels are different across all cereals.
Food manufacturers are required to list all ingredients in the food on the label. On a product label, the ingredients are listed in order of predominance, with the ingredients used in the greatest amount first; followed in descending order by those in smaller amounts.
Siri (2015) implies that ‘bacteriotherapy’ might be helpful in other ways for those with autism. That some supplements may help in keeping the ‘gut’ free of undigested material and prevent putrefaction, which might lead to pathogenic bacterial blooms and yeast problems. Giving ‘probiotics’ and ‘prebiotics’ after a meal to maximize absorption, such as stomach acid, might be considered.
Patel & DuPont (2015), add ‘synbiotics’ to that group. In their article they define ‘bacteriotherapy’ as to include all three, ‘probiotics’ and ‘prebiotics’, because they each have slightly different agents. They describe ‘probiotics as ‘living bacteria or fungi that benefit the host; as having nondigestible compounds that favorably change intestinal microbiota. And, ‘synbiotics’ are defined as products that contain/combine both ‘probiotics’ and ‘prebiotics’. All three are used to treat and prevent an array of diseases. The human gut microbiota plays an important role in human health.
REFERENCES: UNIT 7 – 11 CAMS PART 8 – 15. stem cell therapy 16. Vitamin/supplements
Aigner, S., Heckel, T., et al. (2014). Human pluripotent stem cell models of autism spectrum disorder: emerging frontiers, opportunities, and challenges towards neuronal networks in a dish; Psychopharmacology; V231, p1089-1104.
Cannell, J. (2010). On the Aetiology of Autism; Acta Paediatrica; V99:8, p1128-1130.
Hashemzadeh, M., Moharreri, F., et al. (2015). Comparative study of Vitamin D levels in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and normal children: A Case-control Study; Fundamentals of Mental Health; July/August; p197-201.
Liu, J., et al. (2017). Effect of Vitamin A supplement on gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder: a Pilot Study; BioMed Central Microbiology; V17:204.
Malhotra, S., Subodh, B., et al. (2013). Brief Report: Childhood Disintegrative Disorder as a Likely Manifestation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V43, p2207-2210.
Mazonson, P., Kane, M., et al.( (2017). Prevalence of Medical Conditions Potentially Amenable to Cellular Therapy among Families Privately Storing Umbilical Cord Blood; Maternal Child Health Journal; V21; p208-214.
Patel, R. & DuPont, H. (2015). New Approaches for Bacteriotherapy; Prebiotics, New-Generation Probiotics, and Synbiotics; Clinical Infectious Diseases; Supplement 2, V60, p108-121.
Siniscalco, D., Sapone, A., et al. (2012). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Is Mesenchymal Stem Cell Personalized Therapy for the Future?; Journal of Biomedicine & Biotechnology; V2012.
Siri, K. (2015). 1,001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys; eBook Edition.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) (2010). Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors; Retrieved online from – https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/overview-food-ingredients-additives-colors/
APPENDIX
See FOOD ADDITIVE APPENDIX document from –
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) (2010). Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors; Retrieved online from – https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/overview-food-ingredients-additives-colors/
DISCLAIMER (2024) Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2024
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us. Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.