Folic Acid and ASDs: A Preventive Measure against Potential Effects of Pesticide Exposures?

PDF Version (176 KB) About This Article Published: 23 October 2017 Note to readers with disabilities: EHP strives to ensure that all journal content is accessible to all readers. However, some figures and Supplemental Material published in EHP articles may not conform to 508 standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact ehponline@niehs.nih.gov. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days. Related EHP Article Combined Prenatal Pesticide Exposure and Folic Acid Intake in Relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder Rebecca J. Schmidt, Vladimir Kogan, Janie F. Shelton, Lora Delwiche, Robin L. Hansen, Sally Ozonoff, Claudia C. Ma, Erin C. McCanlies, Deborah H. Bennett, Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Daniel J. Tancredi, and Heather E. Volk Prenatal exposures to certain household and agricultural pesticides have been associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).1 Meanwhile, a separate body of research demonstrates that taking folic acid (FA) early in pregnancy may protect against these disorders.1,2 A new study joins the two bodies of research, suggesting that FA may reduce—but not completely offset—the ASD risk associated with prenatal pesticide exposure.3 ASDs encompass a group of developmental disorders characterized by difficulties in communicating and interacting with other people, repetitive behaviors, an...
Source: EHP Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Science Selection Source Type: research