PST

About 50% of Autistics suffer from Phenol Sulfotransferase Deficiency or PST for short.

It is a enzymatic problem where the phenolic compounds are not broken down properly.

This is due to lack of available sulphur in the body. Hence the Epsom Bath salts which are Magnesium Sulfate may help.

In Kirkman Labs book Kirkman Labs Book on page 151

Since PST weakness is usually due to a deficiency sulfate ions in the body, the most logical and clinically useful approach to correcting this enzyme insufficiency is to supplement with nutrients that provide the system with available sulfur. Many parents and physicians have attempted to correct this sulfur deficiency through oral supplementation with sulfur-containing nutrients. This can provide some improvement in symptoms but may not correct the problem completely because free sulfate is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Nonetheless, some positive clinical benefits have been reported from supplementation with the following sulfur containing compounds: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) The amino acid Cysteine (Lcysteine or N-acetyl cysteine) The amino acid Taurine

Symptoms include:

Sensitivity to phenol containing foods, including behavioral, neurologicial, and gastrointestinal symptoms Migraine headache, or history of migraines in a family member Red face Red ears Dark circles under the eyes Abdominal bloating History of colic in infancy Chronic runny nose or post-nasal drip Eczema Asthma Excessive thirst Perspiration during sleep (night sweats) Unexplained high fevers with or without vomiting Bad odour with perspiration

Sulphation Test

In the USA, Smith Kline Beecham provide a sulphation test:

MHPG Glucuronide / MHPG Sulfate This urine test measures the ratio of two metabolites, MHPG Glucuronide and MHPG Sulfate, to provide an indication of sulfation status. The test for MHPG Glucuronide and MHPG Sulfate can be done through the following laboratory: Smith Kline Beecham Laboratories: (888) 825-5249

I phoned Smith Kline, they directed me to Quest Diagnostics, but they don't do this test in the UK. Breakspear Hospital don't do this test either.

Phenol Foods

Here is a list of foods and their phenol content

A chart outlining phenolic and salicylate content of foods follows: <VERY HIGH Apricots Berries and Cherries Orange and Tangerine Pineapple Red grapes Tomatoes Peppers Mint Anise (licorice) Olives Dill HIGH TO MODERATE Apples Grapefruit Peach and mangos Watermelon Broccoli and spinach Carrots Lettuce and chinese vegetables (except iceberg/low) Most nuts and seeds Onion LOW TO NEGLIGIBLE Bananas Pears Cabbage Celery Potatoes Fats and Oils Sugars Soy Milk