When we think about sugar, most of us imagine sweetness, energy, and perhaps even a bit of indulgence. But
in the biochemistry of the human body, sugar has another story—one that is less sweet and far more complex.
At the heart of this story lies methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive byproduct of glucose metabolism. For many years, MG was seen simply as a curious chemical, produced in small amounts as the body processes sugar. But in my research, and in the studies of colleagues around the world, we have learned that when MG levels rise too high, it becomes a powerful source of cellular stress and damage.
And in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this “sugar stress” may play a critical role.
What Is Methylglyoxal?
Methylglyoxal is produced naturally in our bodies, especially during the breakdown of glucose for energy. In healthy systems, enzymes like glyoxalase quickly detoxify it, keeping levels low. But when sugar metabolism is disrupted—through inefficiencies, dietary excess, or imbalances in cellular detox systems—MG accumulates.
This state is called dicarbonyl stress, and it is toxic. MG reacts with proteins and DNA, forming harmful compounds that interfere with their normal function. Think of it as sugar that has “burned” the machinery of the body, leaving scars at the molecular level.
Methylglyoxal and Autism: What the Science Shows
In 2018, our study published in Molecular Autism revealed that children with autism had elevated levels of MG-related damage products. Later, in our 2023 validation study in Molecular Psychiatry, we confirmed this in larger international cohorts.
We observed that:
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Children with more severe ASD symptoms had higher levels of MG-derived products in their blood.
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These products included specific glycation adducts—molecular fingerprints left behind by MG as it damaged proteins.
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MG levels correlated not just with the presence of autism but with its severity, giving us a measurable link between sugar stress and symptoms.
This was a turning point: for the first time, we could connect sugar metabolism directly to brain health in autism.
How Does MG Affect the Brain?
The brain is especially vulnerable to MG because of its high demand for energy. Neurons rely heavily on glucose, and when MG accumulates, it damages key proteins involved in:
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Neurotransmission – disrupting the way brain cells communicate.
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Mitochondrial function – impairing energy production.
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Cell signaling – altering the fine-tuned chemistry needed for learning, memory, and behavior.
In children with ASD, this biochemical storm may amplify difficulties in communication, sensory processing, and behavior—symptoms that families live with every day.
Why Methylglyoxal Is a Biomarker of Hope
The beauty of MG, if I may call it that, lies in its measurability. Unlike behaviors, which are observed and interpreted, MG leaves a clear signature in the blood. With sensitive techniques, we can quantify MG-derived adducts and use them as biomarkers.
This opens the door to:
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Objective testing – offering families clarity and clinicians reliable data.
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Tracking severity – helping measure not just “if” autism is present, but “how much” stress is affecting the brain.
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Guiding interventions – enabling us to see whether lifestyle, nutrition, or therapies reduce sugar stress over time.
Can We Reduce MG and Its Impact?
Here lies the exciting frontier. Research suggests that MG accumulation is not inevitable—it can be influenced. Healthy sugar metabolism, supported by diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation, can help reduce dicarbonyl stress.
At Glovitality, this is the philosophy behind GlucoRegulate™. By supporting the body’s natural pathways to manage sugar and reduce glycation stress, we hope to lower MG burden and its downstream effects. While not a cure, it is a step towards easing the biochemical strain that contributes to ASD severity.
Looking Ahead
For me, methylglyoxal is more than a molecule—it is a messenger. It tells us that autism is not only about behavior but also about biochemistry. By listening to this message, we gain tools that can transform care: blood tests that provide certainty, strategies that ease severity, and hope grounded in science.
The story of MG in autism is still being written. But already, it offers us a profound truth: by understanding sugar stress in the brain, we can move closer to a future of earlier diagnosis, personalised support, and healthier lives for children and families living with autism.
— Professor Naila Rabbani