Antioxidant curbs irritable behaviour in autistic children
The antioxidant supplement NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) lowers irritability in children with autism, and reduces their repetitive behavioural patterns. It seems to stop even extreme irritability, such as throwing, kicking and hitting.
The supplements were tested on 31 autistic children, and over the 12-week trial period, their irritability scores almost halved.
Researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine, who carried out the study, are hoping that NAC could be a safer and effective alternative to the antipsychotics currently given to curb the worst behaviour of autistic children.
(Source: Biological Psychiatry, 2012; 71: 956). WDDTY enews.