Autism Therapy: copper

definition of copper: Essential mineral that is toxic at high doses. Copper is important for overall health especially enzyme function.

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Biological Correlates of Childhood Autism: Trace Elements
Trace Elem Electrolytes, by Fido, A., Dashti S., and Al-Saad S., published in 2002, summarized Dec 1, 2006

This article describes a study showing that children with autism may have lower levels of several important minerals than children without autism.

The authors outline research which suggests that several disorders of brain function have been traced to low levels of minerals. Minerals are critical for the function of the brain. They are necessary for everything from the production of neurotransmitters to communication between brain cells. The study focused on 40 children with autism (3-7 years old). Levels of several minerals in the hair of these children were compared with hair from 40 children without autism. The results showed that magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese and chromium were all significantly lower in the children with autism than in the children without autism. However, children with autism were most likely to have low levels of four of these minerals: calcium, copper, zinc, and chromium.


Gluten and Casein Free Diets in Autism: A Study of the Effects on Food Choice and Nutrition
J Hum Nutr Diet., by Cornish, E., published in 2002, summarized Nov 14, 2006

This article concludes that children with autism on casein- and gluten-free diets are receiving approximately the same nutrition as children with autism not on elimination diets.

This study focused on 37 children with autism; 8 were on gluten- and casein-free diets, and 29 were not. The parents of these children completed questionnaires about the diets of their children. The results showed no significant differences between the dietary intakes of the two groups. However, children on the casein- and gluten-free diets were more likely to be deficient in calcium, copper, iron, and zinc. The authors commented that children on the elimination diets ate more fruits and vegetables than the children on non-elimination diets.


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