Lithium in water associated with Autism

New research studies have found that consuming lithium-contaminated tap water during pregnancy could be associated with an increased risk of newborn autism development. As lithium levels increased, so did the risk of an autism diagnosis. Compared to the lowest quartile of recorded lithium levels – in other words, those in the 25th percentile – lithium levels in the second and third quartiles were associated with a 24-26% higher risk of an autism diagnosis. Additionally, studies have found a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water with higher levels of lithium.

Water analysis as offered by Micro Trace Minerals seems warranted during and after pregnancy. 

https://neurosciencenews.com/lithium-water-autism-22922/

Some countries have high lithium reserves . To find out more about your country's lithium production, check this site.

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/lithium-reserves-by-country

Metal exposure in healthy children and those with ASD

Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Blood, Hair and Urine of Nigerian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Since the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria is widely known for its petroleum industry and pollution, we aimed to evaluate if Nigerian children diagnosed with ASD carry a greater burden of toxic metals compared to healthy Nigerian children living in the same region. While the ASD group shows a higher metal concentration in blood and hair, combined with low blood zinc levels, we also determined an unusual metal burden in the healthy group but no zinc deficiency.

Read more:
https://escipub.com/irjph-2018-07-2201

Baby teeth link autism and heavy metals, NIH study suggests

Baby teeth from children with autism contain more toxic lead and less of the essential nutrients zinc and manganese, compared to teeth from children without autism, according to an innovative study funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health. The researchers studied twins to control genetic influences and focus on possible environmental contributors to the disease. The findings, published June 1 in the journal Nature Communications, suggest that differences in early-life exposure to metals, or more importantly how a child’s body processes them, may affect the risk of autism.

Read more:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/baby-teeth-link-autism-heavy-metals-nih-study-suggests

“Toxic Metals and Essential Elements in Hair and Severity of Symptoms among Children with Autism”

Maedica - a Journal of Clinical Medicine is pleased to inform you that your article “Toxic Metals and Essential Elements in Hair and Severity of Symptoms among Children with Autism” has been published in the journal’s first issue for this year, in electronic format.

The article is available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3484795/pdf/maed-07-38.pdf

Toxic metals in hair and urine of autistic children

Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Hair and Urine of Arab Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), published in Maedica, Journal of Clinical Medicine. Nov 2011

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3391939/pdf/maed-06-247.pdf

Research: Autism and Efficacy of DMSA therapy

Maedica - a Journal of Clinical Medicine has been published:

Efficacy of DMSA Therapy in a Sample of Arab Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder”

Eleonore BLAUROCK-BUSCH; Omnia R. AMIN; Hani H. DESSOKI; Thanaa RABAH

The article is available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566884/pdf/maed-07-214.pdf

Correction on page 218: reference range in table should be listed as < value (not >)

Autism and Air Pollution: The Link Grows Stronger

Children with autism are two to three times more likely than other children to have been exposed to car exhaust, smog, and other air pollutants during their earliest days, according to a new study.

Read more:
http://healthland.time.com/2012/11/27/autism-and-air-pollution-the-link-grows-stronger/

Pollution, Pregnancy and Autism

Pregnant women who live in smog-filled areas may be twice as likely to have children with autism, a new study suggests. Exposure to diesel particulates, lead, manganese, mercury, methylene chloride and other pollutants are known to affect brain function and have influence of the development of the baby.

The study was a long-term study starting 1989 at Brigham and Woman's Hospital, 116,430 nurses where involved.

The study involved 22,000 woman who had a child without the disorder and 325 who had an autistic child .

Read more:
Full story on MedlinePlus

Full study on Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP)

Mom’s Exposure to Mercury Linked to Kids’ ADHD Symptoms

The health risks of mercury exposure are well documented, and the harms for still-developing fetuses are particularly concerning. Now, the latest study finds that kids who were exposed to mercury in the womb were more likely to show problems with hyperactivity and other symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age 8.

Read more:
http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/09/moms-exposure-to-mercury-linked-to-kids-adhd-symptoms

Scientists uncover link between gut bacteria and autism

A healthy gut bacteria should be the aim in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases. Concerned parents and patients must still be made aware that microbiological testing of feces MUST be done in a local laboratory, testing must occur within 24hrs or else bacterial growth continues, leading to false high results, leading to inappropriate treatment (and medical costs).

Read more:
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/scientists-uncover-link-between-gut-bacteria-and-autism-29285801.html