Is High Folic Acid Intake a Risk Factor for Autism?—A Review

Is High Folic Acid Intake a Risk Factor for Autism

Share This Post

Abstract

Folate is required for metabolic processes and neural development. Insuring its adequate levels for pregnant women through supplementation of grain-based foods with synthetic folic acid (FA) in order to prevent neural tube defects has been an ongoing public health initiative. However, because women are advised to take multivitamins containing FA before and throughout pregnancy, the supplementation together with natural dietary folates has led to a demographic with high and rising serum levels of unmetabolized FA. This raises concerns about the detrimental effects of high serum synthetic FA, including a rise in risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some recent studies have reported a protective effect of FA fortification against ASD, but others have concluded there is an increased risk for ASD and other negative neurocognitive development outcomes. These issues are accompanied by further health questions concerning high, unmetabolized FA levels in serum. In this review, we outline the reasons excess FA supplementation is a concern and review the history and effects of supplementation. We then examine the effects of FA on neuronal development from tissue culture experiments, review recent advances in understanding of metabolic functional blocks in causing ASD and treatment for these with alternative forms such as folinic acid, and finally summarize the conflicting epidemiological findings regarding ASD. Based on the evidence evaluated, we conclude that caution regarding over supplementing is warranted.

Read more

Related Posts

HER-stamine? The Link Between Histamine and Estrogen
MTHFR

HER-stamine? The Link Between Histamine and Estrogen

The female hormone estrogen may play a role in the development of histamine intolerance. This seems plausible since women consist of the majority who suffer ...
Read More →
Kidney Cleanser Juice
MTHFR

Kidney Cleanser Juice

This recipe is approved for diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, weigh loss, athletics, and optimum health.   Ingredients: 1 cup organic cranberries 4 cups ...
Read More →
Is Stress Making You Sick In The Gut?
Genes

Is Stress Making You Sick In The Gut?

Is Stress Making You Sick In The Gut Throughout our lives, we experience varied levels of stress that may cause harm to our health, especially ...
Read More →
Upregulated methylation increases expression and proliferation of cancer cells??
Genes

Upregulated methylation increases expression and proliferation of cancer cells??

There is no question that the future of medicine will be in analysing a person’s genetics, with a detailed family history and addressing the genetic ...
Read More →
Thyroid Dysfunction
Conditions

Thyroid Dysfunction

What are Thyroid Disorders? A deficiency of thyroid hormones can affect virtually all bodily functions as the thyroid gland hormones regulate metabolism in every cell ...
Read More →
Vitiligo
Conditions

Vitiligo

What Is Vitiligo? Vitiligo is a condition in which white patches develop on the skin. Vitiligo is caused by a loss of pigment in the ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top
Carolyn Ledowsky

Stay Connected!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter with current MTHFR research, health tips, recipes, special offers and news about upcoming events including Carolyn’s live Q&A.

Subscribe