Autism Coach is pleased to be able to offer Carn-Aware™, a nutritional supplement containing L-Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide that consists of alanine and histadine.   Use of L-Carnosine was been pioneered by Dr. Michael Chez, a neurologist from Chicago, the developer of Carn-Aware.  Dr. Chez theorized that L-Carnosine stimulates the front areas of the brain, providing increased activity in this critical area, leading to overall improvements in level of functioning. More and more research shows that the frontal lobes and the temporal lobes in the brain control emotion, epileptic activity, cognitive, expressive speech, and abstract thinking.  

In a double-blind study conducted by Dr. Chez, L-Carnosine was found to be beneficial to children with autism spectrum disorders and/or epilepsy.  Participants in the clinical trial who were given L-Carnosine experienced significant improvements compared to those taking a placebo in the following areas:   language, auditory processing socialization, awareness of surroundings, fine motor planning and expressive language.  Improvements were observed between 1-8 weeks into treatment.  Over 1000 patients of Dr. Chez have now used Carn-Aware, with a 90 percent success rate.  

Participants  taking L-Carnosine showed  improved behavior and communication by 16 percent and social interaction improved by 27 percent.  In just four weeks, parents reported an overall improvement that more than doubled through the length of the study.  To view a summary of the clinical trial, please click here.

Based upon his findings, Dr. Chez proceeded to develop Carn-Aware to provide a standardized, optimal formulation of L-Carnosine.  In addition to L-Carnosine, Carn-Aware includes Zinc to augment intracellular L-Carnosine activation and Vitamin E to enhance the antioxidant neuro-protective properties of L-Carnosine. 

If your child doesn't swallow capsules, Carn-Aware capsules can be opened up and mixed into any room temperature or cool foods.  Carn-Aware is a white, tasteless powder and can, for example, be mixed into scrambled eggs once they have cooled.

Active Ingredients:

L-Carnosine - 200 Mg.

Zinc - 2.5 mg (17% DV)

Vitamin E - 25 I.U. (83% DV)

This product is free of gluten, casein and other common allergens.

Recommended dosage:

Dosage is relative to age, weight, autistic or epileptic issues and is also relative to EEG activity and particular learning disabilities and or dietary issues.  

Children with other disorders such as epilepsy, central processing disorder, or brain injury have received dosages that have ranged from 200 to 3000 mg per day based upon evaluation by Dr. Chez.  

Side Effects:  In some children, too high of a dose may cause increased irritability, hyperactivity or insomnia which was observed already in hyperactive autistic children. There are no other reported side effects.  If your child is hyperactive, it is recommended that you first consult with your child's pediatrician and/or neurologist before using Carn-Aware. It is recommended that hyperactive children take Vitamin B6 (100 - 200 mg per day) with Carn-Aware, though again this should be determined by the child's physician.

Potential Drug Interactions:  There have been no adverse effects reported when used with stimulants, anti-psychotic or SSRI medications, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or antibiotics.  Acetyl-choline esterase inhibitors may over-stimulate in combination with Carn-Aware, but no physically adverse reactions have been noted. 

Note:  This product is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  Please note that supplements are non-refundable, once opened.