Just Say No to NO!

Why should we be concerned about Nitric Oxide (NO)?

Studies have established a link between NO and Autism.

So, what in the world is NO?

This is not to be confused with Nitrous Oxide (N2O) which is laughing gas and is also harmful to our kids.

It’s a gas messenger chemical produced by the body that helps dilate blood vessels and reduces blood pressure so is generally regarding as beneficial for many people at higher levels.

In fact, this is how Viagra works to increase circulation to the penis to improve erectile dysfunction.

You would think that increasing circulation to the brain would benefit our kids with ASD.

However, studies have shown that NO is negatively affecting the GABA and glutamate balance in the ASD brain leading to increased excitability and behavioral deficits.

Excessive NO can also cause oxidative damage to cells and the energy-producing mitochondria causing neuroinflammation leading to cognitive and behavioral concerns.

Air pollution exposure to moms during pregnancy or early childhood can raise NO levels increasing risk for ASD.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any commercially available lab biomarkers to test for NO.

Vitamin D has been studied to help regulate NO levels in our kids and is still being investigated.

Research is also looking at NO donors and NOS inhibitors as therapeutic treatments for ASD.

Glycine and GABA may be modulating production of NO leading to improvement in ASD symptoms.

I have seen many kids improve on vitamin D, GABA, and glycine which may be attributable to a reduction in NO.

Hopefully, we’ll have more NO conclusive testing and available treatments in the near future.

#NitricOxide #Autism #ASD