In a message dated 8/23/01 6:44:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time, adsampson76@... writes: Would someone please explain why sulfured coconut is bad? All of the coconut varieties that they had at my store contained sodium metabisulfite. I'm confused because many people have recommended sulfur products to chelate my son, yet everyone says to stay away from sulfured coconut. Why? Sulfate conjgation is a chemical process required for the transformation of many chemicals in our bodies, including drugs, neurotransmitters and phenolic compounds (which we come into contact with everywhere.) Many enzymes in our bodies serve this critical function, but PST is the one most people know about and it is believed that some of our kids are deficient in this enzyme. Rosemary Waring's data suggest that autistics may have an insufficient number of sulfate ions to accomplish sulfate conjugation. Some people think that you should avoid eating foods (high phenolic foods, or sulfited foods) that will "use up" critical sulfate ions. That is, you can lessen the load on a faulty enzyme system by eliminating foods components that require sulfate ions for detoxification. This is explained in more detail on page 29--31 of my book (Special Diets For Special Kids.) LL