The link between low cholesterol and autism

This post includes a synopsis of a study published in the International Review of Psychiatry 2008 Apr;20(2):165-70 and a recipe for smoked, deviled eggs.

Study title and authors:
Autism: the role of cholesterol in treatment.
Aneja A, Tierney E.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA. aneja@kennedykrieger.org

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18386207

Aneja notes that cholesterol is essential for normal embryonic and fetal development and a deficit of cholesterol may contribute to autism spectrum disorders, as observed in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

The review found that Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is treatable by increasing dietary cholesterol.

Individuals with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome who have such cholesterol treatment display fewer autistic behaviours, infections, and symptoms of irritability and hyperactivity, with improvements in physical growth, sleep and social interactions.

Other behaviours shown to improve by increasing cholesterol include aggressive behaviours, self-injury, temper outbursts and trichotillomania (pull out one's own hair).

To conclude: Low cholesterol is associated with autism. An increase in dietary cholesterol helps to alleviate autistic behaviour.

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Recipe of the day

Smoked, Deviled Eggs

Yield: 1 dozen egg halves

Ingredients:

Food Mall: Eggs

◦1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

◦3 T capers, chopped
◦1 lemon, juiced
◦1/4 c mayo
◦6 eggs
◦6 oz wild, cold smoked salmon, chopped
◦Salt N Pepa
◦dash of smoked paprika (optional)

Method:
Boil, cool, and peel your eggs. (We put our eggs in room temp water and put on the stove at high heat. When the water reaches a slow boil we lower the temp to maintain low boil and leave it there for 12 more minutes. It does help to cool in ice bath or running water to stop the cooking process. Also, we’ve found, through much research, the fresher your egg, the harder it is to peel after it’s been boiled.)

Cut your eggs in half, lengthwise, remove and place the yolks into a mixing bowl. Set your whites on a serving platter/plate. To the mixing bowl add the onion, capers, lemon juice, mayo, salmon and S&P. Mix until evenly distributed and scoop and place in your egg white halves. Garnish with sprinkled smoked paprika.

Smoked, Deviled Eggs