Low Iron May Increase The Risk of Autism in Expectant Mothers

A new study on mothers with autistic children suggests that they be less likely to take iron supplements before and during pregnancy.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, found that iron levels could play a role in the development of the behavioral health issue.

"Iron deficiency, and its resultant anemia, is the most common nutrient deficiency, especially during pregnancy, affecting 40 to 50 percent of women and their infants," said Rebecca J. Schmidt, assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and a researcher affiliated with the MIND Institute, in a news release. "Iron is crucial to early brain development, contributing to neurotransmitter production, myelination and immune function. All three of these pathways have been associated with autism."

For the study, researchers examined data on mother-child pairs with and without autism taken from the Northern California-based Childhood Autism Risk from Genetics and the Environment (CHARGE) Study, which lasted from 2002 to 2009. It included information on the mother's intake on vitamins and nutritional supplements as well as their breakfast cereal consumption.

Findings revealed that low iron intake in mothers 35-years-old and up was often tied to a five-times increased risk of autism in children and a five-fold greater risk of autism could be seen in women with low iron intake who had certain metabolic conditions.

Researchers urged women pregnant or those looking to become pregnant to get on a daily iron regimen as soon as possible.

"Take vitamins throughout pregnancy, and take the recommended daily dosage. If there are side effects, talk to your doctor about how to address them," Schmidt concluded.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the American Journal of Epidemiology.