| The number of children that have been diagnosed with | | | | At the same time, doctors are suggesting a folic acid |
| autism in the last ten years has risen quite dramatically. | | | | supplement for some women as a way to ensure |
| There is a lot of ongoing research, but there is no | | | | they get enough. The result might be too much of a |
| concrete solution for a cure, nor has anyone found the | | | | good thing, and the theory that this leads to autism is a |
| cause of this condition. There are many theories | | | | troubling one. There is a belief that too much folic acid |
| floating around, and though some sound plausible, there | | | | can lead to changes in the fetus on a chromosomal |
| is yet to be anything determined in the way of | | | | level that in turn may lead to autism. |
| research. One theory suggests that the mercury | | | | The message about folic acid preventing birth defects |
| additive in some vaccinations might be the problem, | | | | was well received, and those supplemented foods are |
| though that has been largely ruled out. Another strong | | | | a direct result. A woman concerned about her |
| theory is that there may be some sort of link between | | | | pregnancy might eat enough fruits and vegetables, eat |
| folic acid and autism in some children. | | | | the fortified foods, and then take a supplement to boot. |
| This theory is tricky, because folic acid is something | | | | That will inevitably lead to too much folic acid within the |
| that all women should have while they are pregnant, | | | | system. Besides the theory about chromosomal |
| including the period while they are trying to conceive. | | | | changes, another theory states that too much of this |
| It is proven that a lack of folic acid during early | | | | promotes excess brain cell production. When there are |
| pregnancy can cause birth defects like spina bifida and | | | | too many cells, the connections between the cells |
| Down's syndrome. There has a been a lot of noise | | | | essential for function do not form as they should. The |
| generated about telling women to take this as a | | | | theory is that this too could be a cause of autism. |
| supplement so they can lower the chances of giving | | | | Sign up for the free autism newsletter below and |
| birth to a child with birth defects. This approach has | | | | discover all the latest research into autism and natural |
| worked very effectively, as less children are being | | | | treatment options that are available. |
| born with these serious birth defects, but there are | | | | Women reading this should remember that though this |
| some that think this excessive intake of folic acid might | | | | theory about folic acid is spreading, there is no |
| be the root cause of autism for some children. | | | | evidence at this point that it is true. It is advisable never |
| Folic acid in found naturally in some vegetables and | | | | to refrain from getting sufficient folic acid or there is |
| fruits. However, a lot of people just don't get enough | | | | the risk of a baby with birth defects. |
| from these sources, either because they don't eat | | | | A better solution would be to talk to a doctor about |
| enough or because there is less folic acid in fresh | | | | any concerns you might be have regarding folic acid |
| produce than historically due to intensive farming | | | | and autism, and to find a way to be sure enough is |
| methods. This has led some companies to start to | | | | ingested without getting too much. Discuss your |
| supplement other foods with this vital nutrient so | | | | current diet with your doctor so they can recommend |
| women could get the proper amount through their diet. | | | | an eating plan and also a supplement if needed. |