The other news related to autism was talk about the potential benefits of a pharmacological form of folate called folinic acid, an active form of vitamin B9; it’s being described as a cure for autism. In fact, the new CDC administration is fast-tracking a change in label use for the drug so it can be prescribed more often. Here’s why I think that would be a mistake.

While doing background research on an updated webinar on pregnancy, I found a paper that discussed the potential impact of mutations of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene of the mother on the development of the baby. If the mother had both mutated genes, her body wouldn’t process folate very well, resulting in the over production of homocysteine as well as other issues. That could be related to the development of neurological disorders in their babies, including autism spectral disorders and ADHD.

Folinic acid is a pharmacological form of folate that has been prescribed for use with chemotherapy patients. Some forms of chemo block the MTHFR gene, and folinic acid helps ameliorate the problems related to the chemotherapy. It seemed obvious to me that it could potentially help pregnant women with the mutated MTHFR genes and thus maybe prevent the neurological disorders in the baby. That’s where it ended because there’s not enough research to suggest it will work. The research has to happen now. Simply changing the uses for the drug based on small studies and testimonials isn’t good enough without research to support it.

As far as a treatment for autism, the same holds true. We don’t know whether the impact is dependent on, or independent of, the MTHFR mutation. Perhaps in people without the gene mutation it wouldn’t be effective, or worse, detrimental in some way that is not apparent right now.

I hope reason rules the day, as exciting as the potential seem to be, but treatments should not be based on a few case studies or worse, solely on potential. We need at least some conventional proof.

Next week, I’ll turn to a couple of cooking topics to lighten things up a little.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet