Kirkman(R) Provides Quality Supplements for Gastrointestinal Aid, a Hot Topic in Autism Research

RENO, NV--(Marketwired - November 06, 2014) - Research is zeroing in on the connection between the gut and the brain, especially in the area of autism. Autism Speaks just announced that it will provide $2.3 million to fund two major research studies to advance this understanding -- one focused on intestinal bacteria, the other on chronic constipation.

"Ten years ago, when a child with autism had a gastrointestinal issue -- they were sent to a behaviorist, psychologist or neurologist," David Humphrey, CEO of Kirkman Group, a nutritional supplement company, said.

Humphrey started the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) in 2005 because of the difficultly that his customers had in getting medical treatment for their children diagnosed with autism -- especially if they had intense and pervasive gastrointestinal (GI) issues.

It took awhile, but thanks to the tenacious work of Autism Speaks that took over ATN in 2009, most physicians now recognize that children diagnosed with autism may have comorbid medical conditions, the most common of which are gastrointestinal diseases.

ATN funded several important studies about gastrointestinal issues and autism. New studies are pointing to inflammation, particularly in the gut, as a significant factor in the cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Study results show that probiotics decrease the inflammation and are alleviating autistic-like symptoms in laboratory mice.

Kirkman® offers a variety of supplements promoting and supporting GI health, a major concern to individuals diagnosed with autism, including probiotics, which contain healthful bacteria to aid digestion. Kirkman's industry-surpassing quality standards, provided by the Ultra Tested® line of products, have earned the company the reputation as the leading manufacturer for individuals with special needs who require hypoallergenic and ultra-pure supplements.

All of the Kirkman's products providing GI support are Ultra Tested®, which means each raw ingredient is thoroughly screened for more than 950 different contaminants, including heavy metals, common allergens, pesticides, fungicides, endocrine disruptors and harmful chemicals. The Ultra Tested® protocol issues the highest standard for purity testing in the world. In fact, all the supplements Kirkman® manufactures are Ultra Tested® (except lotions, creams and oils).

Kirkman's Ultra Tested® products for GI support include:

• Pro-Bio Gold™ -- a probiotic formulated to promote GI health. There is also a hypoallergenic version of this product and flavored chewable wafers for easy consumption.

• Carb Digest™ with Isogest® -- a product specially formulated for individuals who find it difficult to digest carbohydrates. It is revolutionary because it contains only disaccharidases and Kirkman's proprietary Isogest® enzyme.

• DPP-IV Forte™ -- capsules that feature a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) analog for comprehensive digestion of protein peptides.

• Enzym-Complete/DPP-IV™ -- Kirkman's popular broad-spectrum digestive enzyme. This proprietary product is formulated to support maximum digestive activity for a full range of foods. It also comes in a version with Isogest®, which provides a broad-spectrum enzyme with isomaltase/palatinase activity.

• EnZymAid™ Multi-Enzyme Complex -- a plant-based enzyme formulation designed to address several important digestive functions for individuals with special requirements and sensitivities.

• Phenol Assist™ -- an enzyme designed to help digest part of the cell wall structure of plant cells in fruits, vegetables and grains. Doing so opens the cell and allows the process of phenol digestion to occur.

• Bifido Complex™ Advanced Formula - Hypoallergenic -- a product that supports the immune system and GI health.

• Multi-Flora Spectrum™ - Hypoallergenic -- an intensive care formula that provides high potency, broad-spectrum support for GI health.

• Super Pro-Bio™ 75 Billion - Bio-Max Series - Hypoallergenic -- Kirkman's ultra-strength, intensive care probiotic formulation containing seven strains of probiotic organisms that colonize and adhere to the GI tract, thereby helping support intestinal health, good intestinal flora and immune response.

More details about Kirkman's GI aid and digestive support supplements can be found on Kirkman's website.

About Kirkman®

Kirkman® is the leading manufacturer of nutritional supplements for individuals with special sensitivities and dietary requirements. Founded in 1949, Kirkman® is also the oldest nutritional supplement company serving the special needs community. This experience has allowed Kirkman® to pioneer effective products in many areas of nutritional supplementation for individuals with special health needs. Kirkman® distinguishes itself from other nutraceutical companies with its Ultra Tested® protocol for purity testing, which calls for testing every raw ingredient in every product it manufactures for more than 950 environmental contaminants. To learn more about Kirkman®, visit the company website at www.kirkmangroup.com.