Children with autism can be helped by taking the amino acid DMG (dimethylglycine), a major new study has confirmed.  The benefits of the supplement – especially for people with mental problems – have been known for years, but the evidence has either been anecdotal or the studies have been too small to interest other researchers.

The new study, organised by the Autism Research Institute, recruited 5,367 autistic children – and 42 per cent of them reported major improvements in their condition after taking the supplement.

According to teachers and parents, the children who responded positively to DMG had improved verbal communication, better social interaction, better eye contact, improved affection, a reduction in seizures and improved sleep patterns.

One of DMG’s long-time advocates, Dr Roger V Kendall, says that it helps the neurological system and can also modulate the immune system.  It acts as a methyl donor, and methylation activates neural pathways that affect behaviour.

He recommends one to four 125 mg DMG tablets per day for an autistic child, and it should be taken with 800 micrograms of folic acid. DMG can also be found naturally in liver, and in beans, seeds and grains.

(Source:   Townsend Letter, 2008; 297: 34).