Six children out of every 1,000 children have autism spectrum disorder, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Autism spectrum disorder includes a number of different brain development disorders, the most serious of which is classic autism. These disorders are characterized by difficulty communicating, repetitive behaviors and difficulties with social interactions. (See References 1)
Autism Causes
Although the causes of autism are not clear, scientists believe they include both environmental factors and genetics. Certain genes are associated with the development of autism, and people with autism have irregularities in multiple areas of the brain which may have been caused during early fetal development by either environmental or genetic factors. (See References 1)
Iodine and Autism
Iodine deficiency is one of the environmental factors which may have something to do with autism. The hair of children with autism contains less iodine than that of children without autism, which is a sign that their thyroid function may have been abnormal previously, causing delays in cognitive skills and speech, according to a study published in 2006 in "Biological Trace Element Research." Low iodine levels and abnormal thyroid function, which may be due in part to exposure to agricultural chemicals called organochlorines, may cause problems in brain development of fetuses and lead to autism, notes an article published in April 2008 in "Environmental Health Perspectives."
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency is one of the leading causes of preventable brain damage, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Many pregnant women have only marginal iodine levels. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause irreversible brain damage in the fetus, and iodine deficiency in infants can lead to irregular brain development and problems with intellectual development.
Considerations
The link between iodine and autism is still just a theory. Iodine is unlikely to be totally responsible for many cases of autism. However, it may be helpful for women with marginal iodine levels to take iodine supplements during pregnancy.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Autism Fact Sheet
- Linus Pauling Instute; Iodine; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; March 2010
- "Biological Trace Element Research"; Analyses of Toxic Metals and Essential Minerals in the Hair of Arizona Children with Autism and Associated Conditions, and Their Mothers; J. B. Adams, et al.; 2006
- "Environmental Health Perspectives"; The Interaction of Agricultural Pesticides and Marginal Iodine Nutrition Status as a Cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders; Kevin M. Sullivan; April 2008
