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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Autism and carnitine: A possible link
Caroline Demarquoy1, Jean Demarquoy2
1DATSA 71 - Foyer Marie-José Marchand, 5 allée du Carrouge, Sennecey-le-Grand 71240, France.
Abstract:
Patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present deficits in social interactions and communication, they also show limited and stereotypical patterns of behaviors and interests. The pathophysiological bases of ASD have not been defined yet. Many factors seem to be involved in the onset of this disorder. These include genetic and environmental factors, but autism is not linked to a single origin, only. Autism onset can be connected with various factors such as metabolic disorders: including carnitine deficiency. Carnitine is a derivative of two amino acid lysine and methionine. Carnitine is a cofactor for a large family of enzymes: the carnitine acyltransferases. Through their action these enzymes (and L-carnitine) are involved in energy production and metabolic homeostasis. Some people with autism (less than 20%) seem to have L-carnitine metabolism disorders and for these patients, a dietary supplementation with L-carnitine is beneficial. This review summarizes the available information on this topic.
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