Disclaimer: Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and TACA does not independentlyt verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarity TACA's. Nothing in this document should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.
Introduction
In the autism community over the past few years, glutathione, detoxification, and all related methylation issues have been the "hot topics" at many of the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) conferences, other conferences like Autism One, and with many of the current medical practitioners treating autism. There are also some recent, excellent studies by Drs. Jill James and Richard Deth on this highly debated and important topic as possible treatments for children on the spectrum.
The process of the methylation and detoxification are highly complex processes and still require more research. Treating children with autism with glutathione to promote detxification is not a perfect solution or cure for autism. It could be an important piece of what may not be functioning properly in children with autism spectrum disorders.
This document attempts to provide some basic information about glutathione, reading sources, and options available for your review. It has been written by a mom of a child with autism with no credentials or medical training. I have simply provided reading materials that have helped me, research references, and personal experiences with my child. Please work with your doctor on proper testing and the unique needs of your loved one.
Good info. The problem with the methylation cycles has to do with pathogenic organisms that indirectly use up glutathione/cysteine stores. Cysteine is consumed by immune responses which leaves stores in the liver non-existent which forces the liver to be congested. Reduced cysteine and other thiol group aminos (methionine, taurine) break up the critical methylation cycle and allows toxins such as mercury and other environmental toxins to stay in the body which further exacerbates the neurological condition and hinders immune responses.
The root problem is the pathogenic organisms which more than likely are found in the gastrointestinal tract, protozoa organisms are found in 70% of autistic children http://pptu.lefora.com/2010/12/01/pptu-autism-asd/
and there well may be issues with pathogenic bacteria in the gut as well. Metametrix GI Effects is the best test to locate pathogens in the gut. Increasing methylation will help remove toxins, clear the liver and help in fighting off the infections.
NAC is a converted form of cysteine as you know and it is a precursor to glutathione. I have used NAC but now use straight cysteine and get good results. Amino acid metabolism is fueled by vitamin co-factors such as folic acid and b12 and other vitamins, so make sure you have adequate amounts of those.
You can make liposomal glutathione with a Ultrasonic device, you can read about making liposomal products at pdazzler.com. Liposomal forms are superior to other forms since it is readily absorbed unlike other forms that become deteriorated in the gut by stomach acids.
Methylation is the key part of cysteine and methylation is dependent on methyl donation by co-factors such as b12, folic acid, choline and other b vitamins (b6,b2). Methylation is also dependent on taurine and methionine as well.
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Autism and Glutathione 
