Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of L-carnosine supplementation in children with autistic spectrum disorders
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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Michael G Chez1, Cathleen P Buchanan, Mary C Aimonovitch
1Research Division, Autism and Epilepsy Specialty Services of Illinois, Ltd, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, USA. mchezmd@interaccess.com
Insights
L-Carnosine supplementation improved autistic symptoms and receptive language skills in children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This 8-week study showed significant benefits, suggesting L-carnosine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- L-Carnosine, a dipeptide, exhibits neuroprotective properties and may influence frontal lobe function.
- L-Carnosine's interaction with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) suggests potential anticonvulsive effects.
- Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with varied presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of L-Carnosine supplementation in improving core symptoms of ASD.
- To assess the impact of L-Carnosine on language development and behavioral aspects in children with ASD.
- To evaluate observable changes in children with ASD receiving L-Carnosine compared to a placebo.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 31 children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder.
- Participants received a daily dosage of 800 mg of L-Carnosine or a placebo.
- Outcome measures included the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, Expressive and Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary tests, and Clinical Global Impressions of Change.
Main Results:
- Children receiving L-Carnosine showed statistically significant improvements in the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (total score and subscales for Behavior, Socialization, and Communication).
- Significant enhancements were observed in the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary test scores for the L-Carnosine group (P < .05).
- No statistically significant changes were noted in the placebo group, though trends for improvement were observed in other measures.
Conclusions:
- Daily L-Carnosine supplementation at 800 mg demonstrated significant positive effects on behavioral and language measures in children with ASD.
- The findings suggest L-Carnosine may enhance neurologic function, potentially impacting areas like the entorhinal or temporal cortex.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action for L-Carnosine in ASD.
Abstract:
L-Carnosine, a dipeptide, can enhance frontal lobe function or be neuroprotective. It can also correlate with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-homocarnosine interaction, with possible anticonvulsive effects. We investigated 31 children with autistic spectrum disorders in an 8-week, double-blinded study to determine if 800 mg L-carnosine daily would result in observable changes versus placebo. Outcome measures were the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, the Expressive and Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary tests, and Clinical Global Impressions of Change. Children on placebo did not show statistically significant changes. After 8 weeks on L-carnosine, children showed statistically significant improvements on the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (total score and the Behavior, Socialization, and Communication subscales) and the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary test (all P < .05). Improved trends were noted on other outcome measures. Although the mechanism of action of L-carnosine is not well understood, it may enhance neurologic function, perhaps in the enterorhinal or temporal cortex.