Autism, or rather autism spectrum disorders, are a collection of behavioral abnormalities that include problems such as reduced normal social interaction and repetitive movements. Several theories have been suggested as possible causes. Folic acid is a man-made form of a natural vitamin called folate, which humans obtain from food, and its supplementation in food and for pregnant women is an avenue of research. As of 2011, scientists have found no conclusive evidence that problems with folic acid intake or use are an integral part of autism spectrum disorders.
Folic acid, or folate, is necessary for the body to break down carbohydrates into a molecule called glucose, which is how energy moves around the body. The nutrient also plays an essential role in the nervous system. Women who are deficient in folic acid during pregnancy may have babies who are born with developmental problems of the spine called neural tube defects. These conditions include spina bifida and can be prevented by eating a diet with enough folic acid or by taking folic acid supplements.
One hypothesis for the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders is that the child's behavior problems are due to too much folic acid, rather than too little, during pregnancy. However, there is no significant evidence, as of 2011, available to support this theory. As folic acid plays a role in the nervous system, which includes the brain, however, research on folic acid and autism continues on this possible pathway of explanation for autism.
A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic in the United States in 2011 on folic acid supplementation and autism found only a weak correlation between autism spectrum disorders and mothers or children who took folic acid supplements. The study authors state that since folic acid is known to benefit spinal development in unborn children, supplements that contain too much folic acid may actually cause damage to the nervous system. As of 2011, this remains a hypothesis, and the scientific evidence does not definitively point to a relationship between folic acid and autism.
In addition, research is being done to explore the theory that children with autism have problems metabolizing or using folic acid. However, a 2010 review of folic acid and autism studies by the Sansom Institute in Australia did not point to any factual basis for this idea. The field of study is relatively new, and more research can provide more information. Therefore, mothers-to-be should balance the proven risk between folic acid deficiency and neural tube defects against the hypothetical link between folic acid and autism, and seek a doctor's advice in this regard.