Phenylalanine and Tryptophan Intake of Hyperactive Children with Autism

Abstract

Background: Hyperactive is behavior which demonstrates the attitude of more energy than normal behavior. Level of neurotransmitter dopamine and serotonin in the body may be the factor of this disorder behavior. Level of phenylalanine and serotonin were found high in hyperactive children with autism. Level phenylalanine in the brain shows that it is not changed into tyrosine so dopamine can not be form. Serotonin derived from an amino acid tryptophan.Objective: To understand the association between phenylalanine and tryptophan intake to hyperactivity of children with autism.Methods: A survey analytic research with cross sectional approach involving 20 subjects. Phenylalanine and tryptophan intake data was collected by Semi Quantitative-Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), and hyperactivity disorder of children with autism was measured based on DSM-IV guidelines. Results: Eight (40%) children had low hyperactivity, 9 (45%) children had moderate hyperactivity, 2 (10%) children had severe hyperactivity, and 1 (5%) child had very severe hyperactivity. Mean phenylalanine intake was 4899.74mg (±1543.42) with maximum and minimum intake respectively 7735.42mg and 1843.88mg. Tryptophan intake was 1153.91mg (±384.99) with maximum and minimum intake respectively 1953.89mg and 367.69mg. There was significant association between phenylalanine intake (p=0,034; r=0,477) and tryptophan intake and hyperactivity (p=0,026; r=0,492).Conclusion: There is an association between intakes of amino acid phenylalanine and amino acid tryptophan with hyperactivity of autistic children

Amino Acids, B Vitamins, and Choline May Independently and Collaboratively Influence the Incidence and Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Essential amino acids must be consumed in the diet, while non-essential amino acids can be created by conversion processes in the body. Amino acids are known to have a significant impact on the CNS, controlling the body and mind [ 37 , 38 ]. Certain amino acids play an important role in regulating CNS neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine.…”

“…Deficiencies in amino acid lysine among children with ASD have also been supported by earlier research [ 54 ]. Inadequate levels of essential amino acid lysine can cause agitation [ 38 , 60 ]. This might be due to a lack of synthetization of glutamate, which is responsible for producing the neurotransmitter GABA [ 61 ].…”

“…Arum et al evaluated phenylalanine and tryptophan intake amongst hyperactive children with ASD to evaluate the association between amino acid levels and the presence and severity of hyperactivity in individuals with ASD [ 38 ]. Researchers found elevated tryptophan and phenylalanine levels to be associated with increased hyperactivity.…”

“…Researchers found elevated tryptophan and phenylalanine levels to be associated with increased hyperactivity. The elevated levels of phenylalanine could be a result of an inadequate conversion of this amino acid to tyrosine, which raises concerns that there may have also been inadequate levels of tyrosine in these children [ 38 ]. As multiple research studies suggest, tyrosine was lower in the plasma levels of those with ASD [ 52 , 53 , 54 ].…”

“…As multiple research studies suggest, tyrosine was lower in the plasma levels of those with ASD [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Low levels of tyrosine can contribute to ASD symptoms, such as the inability to concentrate, focus, and increased levels of hyperactivity [ 38 , 63 ]. Low levels of tryptophan have also been found [ 52 , 53 , 54 ].…”