Is Autism a G-Alpha Protein Defect Reversible With Natural Vitamin A? 

Mary N. Megson, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Autism may be a disorder linked to the disruption of the G-alpha protein, affecting retinoid receptors in the brain. A study of sixty autistic children suggests that autism may be caused by inserting a G-alpha protein defect, the pertussis toxin found in the D.P.T. vaccine, into genetically at-risk children. This toxin separates the G-alpha protein from retinoid receptors. Those most at risk report a family history of at least one parent with a preexisting G-alpha protein defect, including night blindness, pseudohypoparathyroidism or adenoma of the thyroid or pituitary gland.

Natural Vitamin A may reconnect the retinoid receptors critical for vision, sensory perception, language processing and attention. Autism spectrum disorders have increased from 1 in 10,000 in 1978 to 1 in 300 is some US communities in 1999. Recent evidence indicates that autism is a disorder of the nervous system and the immune system, affecting multiple metabolic pathways.

This study of 60 autistic children and their families suggests that inserting a G-alpha protein defect, namely the pertussis toxin in the D.P.T. Vaccine, (3) into genetically at-risk children causes autism. This toxin separates the G-alpha protein from retinoid receptors. Those most at risk report a family history of at least one parent with a preexisting G-alpha protein defect, exhibited in disorders such as night blindness, pseudohypoparathyroidism or adenoma of the thyroid or pituitary gland (4). This hypothesis asserts that treating these children with natural CPIs forms of Vitamin A may have the effect of reconnecting the hippocampal retinoid receptor pathways that are critical for vision, sensory perception, language processing and attention (5).

Many of these children, who need natural, unsaturated cis forms of Vitamin A found in sources such as cold water fish like salmon, or cod, liver, kidney, and milkfat, are not getting this in the modern diet. Instead, they are dependent on Vitamin A Palmitate, found in commercial infant formula and lowfat milk. Unfortunately, absorption of Vitamin A Palmitate requires an intact gut mucosal microvilli surface at the right PH, in the presence of bile for metabolism (12). However, many of these children already have damaged mucosal surfaces due to unrecognized wheat allergy or intolerances.

The Role of Vaccinations in G-Alpha Protein Defects

When the live viral measles vaccine is given, it depletes the children of their existing supply of Vitamin A (13), which negatively impacts the retinoid receptors. Natural Vitamin A, in the cis form, is important for activation of T and B cells for long-term immune memory. Measles, mumps and rubella titers are either significantly elevated or negative, in spite of one or two doses of the vaccine given to many of these children. Fish oils contain one retinoid metabolite, alpha 14 hydroxyretroretinol that has a role in T-cell activation, vision and growth of lymphoblasts (18). Further research is needed to understand the complete role of these metabolites in the immune system.

Case Studies

Our early experience with treatment with natural cis forms of Vitamin A in Cod Liver Oil (CLO) in these autistic children, followed by stimulation of blocked acetylcholine receptors for neurotransmitters affected with a blockage of G-alpha pathways in the cell, is promising. There are dramatic, immediate improvements in language, vision, attention and social interaction in some of these children, as. evidenced by the following case reports.

For these and other reasons I started the boy on cod liver oil (5,000 IU of Vitamin A, given in 2500 IU/b.i.d.) and a gluten free diet. After one week, he began to sit farther from the television and to notice paintings on the walls at home. Many children treated with Vitamin A in CLO for two months followed by Urocholine show an immediate improvement in their autistic behaviors including improved eye contact, ability to socialize, and increased language use. Many have been able to toilet train easily and have.

The far-reaching metabolic consequences may be enormous, with potential links to not only autism, but dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, Type II hyperlipidemia, gluten enteropathy, cancer of the mucous secreting glands, and autoimmune. The current clinical trial using Vitamin A in CLO vs. placebo in a double blind, cross-over study is necessary prior to a trial using Vitamin A and Urocholine. Data from this trial is important and will have very broad ramifications, including rethinking infant formula composition and timing of immunizations. If this hypothesis is correct, we are one step closer to treatment and prevention of autism.

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