Can Toxic Metals Be Contributing To Autism Symptoms?
, Volume 181, Issue 1, pp 31–37
Abstract
Environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the role of heavy metals has not been fully defined. This study investigated whether blood levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead of children with ASD significantly differ from those of age- and sex-matched controls. One hundred eighty unrelated children with ASD and 184 healthy controls were recruited. Data showed that the children with ASD had significantly (p< 0.001) higher levels of mercury and arsenic and a lower level of cadmium. The levels of lead did not differ significantly between the groups. The results of this study are consistent with numerous previous studies, supporting an important role for heavy metal exposure, particularly mercury, in the etiology of ASD. It is desirable to continue future research into the relationship between ASD and heavy metal exposure.
Conclusion
Elevated concentration of arsenic and mercury was detected in the blood of children diagnosed with an ASD compared to healthy controls in our study. These results, particularly for mercury, are consistent with numerous previous studies and suggest an important etiological role for mercury in the parthenogenesis of ASD. The results also revealed a decreased level of cadmium in the blood of children of ASD compared to healthy controls in our study. Our results do not support an association between the blood lead concentrations and ASD. Considering that our understanding of the etiology of ASD is still limited, this result is informative, and further research into the relationship between ASD and heavy metal exposure is desirable.Read more…
