ASD ESSENTIAL INFO

LEUCOVORIN, CEREBRAL FOLATE DEFICIENCY, AND AUTISM

Continued research indicates that at least 71% of children with autism are positive for at least one folate receptor antibody. In addition, low cellular energy (mitochondrial dysfunction) is also very commonly found in children with ASD. Both conditions can lead to low folate in the brain and can present as autism in many children. Given the relatively high safety profile and ease of treatment, many kids may benefit from a trial of leucovorin (prescription active folate or B9). Click below to learn more about ASD and folate.

MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION AND AUTISM

The prevalence of abnormal biomarker values of mitochondrial dysfunction was found to be high in ASD, possibly as high as 80% in the ASD population. Some markers correlate with ASD severity. Treating mitochondrial dysfunction with supplements such as carntiine, ubiquinol, and B vitamins has been found to help with core issues such as speech and social deficits in ASD.

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction and Autism

Many studies have been published which further our understanding of the link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gut microbiota. This connection is not mere speculation, as the composition of the microbiota and its by-products profoundly impacts the Gut-Brain axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the immune response. This is a crucial area of research that is shaping our understanding of ASD.