Researchers at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, are studying whether simple nutritional intervention — such as adding cholesterol to the diets of children with autism spectrum disorders — can improve core autism symptoms, according to a hospital news release.
Researchers have noticed that cholesterol levels in children with autism spectrum disorders tend to be below the normal range compared to the general population. However, too much cholesterol can do more harm than good, so dosages will be closely monitored to find the optimal dose.
Ohio State's Nisonger Center is teaming up with Johns Hopkins University/Kennedy Krieger Institute and the National Institutes of Health to conduct a study for children ages 4-11 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, including autistic disorder and Asperger's disorder.
Potential study participants will be screened, and 60 children who are found to have abnormally low cholesterol will participate in a 12-week double-blind study in which they will receive either the cholesterol or a placebo, followed by 12 weeks of "open" cholesterol supplementation.
Read the hospital news release about the study on cholesterol and autism.
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Researchers have noticed that cholesterol levels in children with autism spectrum disorders tend to be below the normal range compared to the general population. However, too much cholesterol can do more harm than good, so dosages will be closely monitored to find the optimal dose.
Ohio State's Nisonger Center is teaming up with Johns Hopkins University/Kennedy Krieger Institute and the National Institutes of Health to conduct a study for children ages 4-11 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, including autistic disorder and Asperger's disorder.
Potential study participants will be screened, and 60 children who are found to have abnormally low cholesterol will participate in a 12-week double-blind study in which they will receive either the cholesterol or a placebo, followed by 12 weeks of "open" cholesterol supplementation.
Read the hospital news release about the study on cholesterol and autism.
Related Articles on Ohio State University Medical Center:
OSU Surgeon Performs Novel "Rotation" Surgery on Cancer Patient's Leg
50 Best Hospitals in America
Coriell Institute for Medical Research, OSU Medical Center Partner to Add Genomic Info into EMRs