Could Baby Teeth Hold the Key to Autism?

A study published in June 2017 found that baby teeth taken from children with autism contain more toxic lead and less of the essential nutrients zinc and manganese compared to teeth from children without autism. Scientists studied twins to control genetic influences and focus on possible environmental contributors to the disease. The findings 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. These differences were most evident during the months just before and after birth. This timeline was determined by using lasers to map the layers or growth rings in baby teeth generated during different developmental periods. Teeth begin forming prenatally and add a new layer daily. Each new layer holds many of the chemicals circulating in the body at that time. By studying these layers, the researchers were able to build a timeline of metal exposure during the prenatal and early childhood period. The findings build on previous research suggesting that exposure to toxic metals, such as lead, and deficiencies of essential nutrients, like manganese, may harm brain development while in utero or during early childhood. Although manganese is an essential nutrient, it can also be toxic at high doses. Exposure to both lead and high levels of manganese has been associated with autism traits and severity. The study was led by Manish Arora, Ph.D., an environmental scientist and dentist at the Icahn Sc...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Aspergers Autism Children and Teens Research Students Technology Asperger Syndrome Autism Spectrum Disorder autistic Child Development heavy metal exposure lead poisoning manganese Source Type: blogs