An Open-Label Case Series of Glutathione Use for Symptomatic Management in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Abstract
Simple Summary Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause impaired social–emotional interactions, impaired language and communication skills, repetitive or restrictive behaviors, and sometimes aggressive behavior. An emerging topic in research is the imbalance between bodily oxidative systems and anti-oxidative stress in autism spectrum cases. Glutathione (an antioxidant agent) is involved in many anti-oxidative stress systems, but our research target is to study the role of glutathione as a neuro-protective agent. Our pilot study demonstrates general glutathione tolerability and some efficacy in decreasing problematic behaviors observed in children with ASD. Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that has been diagnosed in an increasing number of children around the world. The existing data suggest that early diagnosis and intervention can improve ASD outcomes. The causes of ASD remain complex and unclear, and there are currently no clinical biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder. There is an increasing recognition that ASD might be associated with oxidative stress through several mechanisms including abnormal metabolism (lipid peroxidation) and the toxic buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione acts as an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger and a detoxifying agent. This open-label pilot study investigates the tolerability and effectiveness of oral supplementation with OpitacTM…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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