Potential Treatment
Knowledge about gene mutations can be used to develop treatments. “Our results not only open the door to a better understanding of the disease,” Michaud said, “but they also give us valuable information about the molecular mechanisms involved in brain development, which is important for the development of new treatments.”
For example, asparagine supplement could be given to at risk infants to ensure an adequate level of asparagine in the brain and the latter’s normal development. “The amount of supplementation remains to be determined, as well as its effectiveness,” says Michaud.
He adds that since these children are already born with neurological abnormalities, it is still uncertain whether this supplementation would correct the neurological deficits.
Nevertheless the discovery shows we still have much to learn about the complex and subtle interplay of nutrients in maintaining health and driving normal development.
Natural Sources
Given a good diet the body can generally make its own asparagine. However, it is also found in both animal and plant foods such as:
- Animal sources Dairy, whey, beef, poultry, eggs and seafood
- Plant sources Asparagus, potatoes, legumes, nuts, seeds, soya and whole grains
Not everything about asparagine is good however. A reaction between asparagine and certain sugars or reactive molecules produces carcinogenic acrylamide in food when heated at high temperatures.
Acrylamide is not present in the raw foods and is not formed during steaming or boiling or (with some exceptions) microwaving. It is formed when foods are fried, roasted or baked at high temperatures.
Potato and cereal food products tend to have the highest amounts of acrylamide; meat products are lower in this substance because they have lower levels of the elements necessary for its formation. Thus acrylamide is most commonly found in things like French fries, potato chips, and crusty or toasted bread.