Promotion of MT proteins within the body provides many benefits to ASD patients including:

1. The removal of toxic heavy metals in the body 
2. Protection against future toxic exposures 
3. Normalization of the gastrointestinal tract
4. Improved behaviour control
5. Improved immune function, and 
6. Enhanced development of brain neurons and synaptic connections.

The first five benefits may be attainable in the first year of treatment, regardless of the age of the patient. However, the rate of formation of new synaptic connections declines rapidly with age, which is why early intervention is critically important for development of speech, cognitive development, etc. Great patience is needed in the treatment of older children who can be expected to progress at a relatively slow rate. Behaviour therapies which shower the brain with impulses and promote neuronal development are especially recommended in conjunction with MT promotion therapy.

This formula contains much needed zinc (as picolinate, the most easily absorbed form of zinc), as well as activated B6 (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate), manganese gluconate and essential antioxidants (vitamins C and E). Aggressive zinc loading must precede full scale MT promotion therapy for best results, since each molecule of MT requires 7 atoms of zinc for proper functioning. Primer is often used as the first step in nutritional supplementation of patients with ASD, particularly for those patients with low zinc levels and high copper levels. The best clinical outcomes have been achieved using the two-phase protocol of:

Phase 1 - preloading with zinc and augmenting nutrients (i.e. the Primer), followed by

Phase 2 - cautious, gradual introduction of MT promotion nutrients (i.e. the Promoter, see below).

Aggressive supplementation with zinc and augmenting nutrients is recommended for at least 4 to 8 weeks, but can be up to 6 months or more. Sensitive patients may require a gradual build up of zinc dosages. It is also important to remember that Primer must never be taken on an empty stomach, as this may cause nausea (even though zinc is best absorbed on an empty stomach).

The Primer contains (per daily dose): Zinc Picolinate 50mg, Pyridoxine-5-phosphate 25mg (active vitamin B6), Pyridoxine HCL (B6) 50mg, Manganese Gluconate 7.5mg, Vitamin E 100mg (Mixed tocopherols), Ascorbate activity (Vitamin C) as Magnesium Ascorbate 300mg, and Magnesium (Ascorbate) 22mg. These doses are standard and can be adapted to suit individual needs.

The Promoter is very closely related to the Primer. It provides the building blocks of the (MT) protein. The idea of this supplement is to boost MT function in a natural way, thus allowing the body to then detoxify (or chelate) itself naturally. This may also self-correct some of the other dysfunctions that are present based on MT abnormalities. Many ASD children use this supplement with anecdotal evidence of positive effects.

MT proteins are made up of 14 amino acids and zinc. Many Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients are unable to efficiently cleave dietary proteins into the individual amino acids needed for the MT synthesis. The Promoter formulation provides all 14 amino acids, in the proportions found in MT proteins. The large amounts of cysteine required for MT synthesis are provided in the form of oral glutathione (GSH) which breaks down in the gastrointestinal tract with minimal side effects.

The glutathione works with selenium (also found in the Promoter) to enhance:

i)                    the delivery of zinc to the cells, and

ii)                  the sequestering of mercury and other heavy metals

Glutathione is a tripeptide, (i.e. a peptide consisting of three amino acids – cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine, joined together by peptide bonds) and is the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant in human cells.

Glutathione is highly active in many organ systems and tissues, and is an essential cofactor for many enzymes. It has a critical role in protecting our cells from oxidative stress and maintaining the immune system. In normal health the body uses its enormous glutathione stores to detoxify and remove toxins (e.g. mercury) from the body.

Promoter Ingredients (per 350mg capsule):

Glutathione – 200mg

Selenium – 20mcg

Serine – 27.4mg

Lysine – 5.7mg

Alanine – 16.8mg

Glycine – 11.6mg

Threonine – 8.6mg

Proline – 7.0mg

Aspartic Acid – 8.5mg

Asparagine – 5.5mg

Glutamic Acid – 12.0mg

Methionine – 6.3mg

Glutamine – 4.4mg

Isoleucine – 4.0mg

Valine – 2.2mg

Microcrystalline cellulose used as filler