What is Accentrate®?
Accentrate® is a nutritional supplement that contains nutrients that have been shown to be beneficial for individuals diagnosed with autism or on the spectrum.
“While Accentrate® was formulated to address the nutritional deficiencies known to be associated with ADHD, the feedback we’ve received from medical practitioners that recommend Accentrate® is that it is even more positive with individuals that are on the spectrum. This is likely due to the L-methylfolate, active B-vitamins, and Vitamin D in Accentrate®.”
Brett Bartel, M.S., Esq., Chief Science Officer for Fenix Health Science, LLC.
Oxidative Stress and Autism
Autism is a complex, behaviorally-defined neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairments in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and by restrictive, repetitive, and stereotypic patterns of behavior.1 Autism usually presents in early childhood and is thought to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.2
Children with autism have significantly lower baseline plasma concentrations of methionine, SAM, homocysteine, cystathionine, cysteine, and total glutathione and significantly higher concentrations of SAH, adenosine, and oxidized glutathione. This metabolic profile is consistent with impaired capacity for methylation … and increased oxidative stress … in children with autism.3 It has been reported that supplementation with folate and vitamin B12 normalized the metabolic imbalance in autistic children.
The Role of Nutrition
Vitamin D hormone has been proposed to play a role in autism based primarily on a correlation between autism incidence in populations with low levels of vitamin D.4 It has also been reported that serotonin levels play a role in autism.5 Vitamin D and iron are necessary for the synthesis of serotonin.6
Abnormalities in folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism have been reported in many children with autism.7
Choline plays an essential role as a methyl group donor in the synthesis of the membrane phospholipid components of cell membranes as well as in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Accentrate® provides L-methylfolate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and choline from phosphatidylcholine. MZI provides a safe, bioavailable form of iron.
Scientific References
- Hamlin, et al, “Dietary Intake and Plasma Levels of Choline and Betaine in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” Autism Research and Treatment Volume, 2013, Article ID 578429, 7 pages.
- James, et al., “Metabolic biomarkers of increased oxidative stress and impaired methylation capacity in children with autism,” Am J Clin Nutr 2004; 80:1611–7.
- James, et al., “Metabolic biomarkers of increased oxidative stress and impaired methylation capacity in children with autism,” Am J Clin Nutr 2004;
80:1611–7. - Patrick, et al, “Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. Part 1: relevance for autism,” The FASEB Journal, Vol. 28 June 2014
- Patrick, et al, “Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. Part 1: relevance for autism,” The FASEB Journal, Vol. 28 June 2014
- Patrick, et al, “Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. Part 1: relevance for autism,” The FASEB Journal, Vol. 28 June 2014
- Hamlin, et al, “Dietary Intake and Plasma Levels of Choline and Betaine in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” Autism Research and Treatment Volume 2013, Article ID 578429, 7 pages.