In news that will grab the attention of moms-to-be, mothers of children with autism are less likely to report taking iron supplements before and during their pregnancies than other mothers, according to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute recruited 866 mother-child pairs. Of that group, 520 children had been assessed and diagnosed with autism while the remaining 346 were developing normally. Between 2003 and 2009, researchers interviewed the mothers about their iron intake during the period of three months before pregnancy all the way through breastfeeding, focusing on multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, iron-specific vitamins, cereals, and other supplements. They noted the frequency, dose, and brands, then calculated the average daily intake of iron (and other nutrients) for each product, along with a total monthly intake for each woman.
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When they looked at mothers in highest fifth of iron intake, they found that their child's risk of having autism was half that of the women who had the lowest iron intake. Plus, mothers of children with autism were less likely to report taking iron supplements, and their daily intake was still lower even when they did take them.
That said, it's not just about iron—age and health were factored in as well. If a mother with low iron intake was 35 or older when the child was born or had metabolic issues like obesity, hypertension, or diabetes, there was a five-fold greater risk of the child having autism. This association persisted even after controlling for folic acid intake, which previous studies show might influence autism rates.
“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,” says study author Rebecca J. Schmidt, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences in a statement. “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,” says Schmidt.
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The results are intriguing, but that doesn’t mean there’s any reason to panic. The study authors emphasize that this does not prove a direct cause and effect link between a mother's low iron intake and her child's risk of autism. Plus, the study needs to be replicated before they can reach any solid conclusions. Rather than focus too much on this one study, the researchers urge pregnant women to focus on all aspects of a healthy pregnancy, including taking the recommended supplements.
“In the meantime the takeaway message for women is do what your doctor recommends. Take vitamins throughout pregnancy, and take the recommended daily dosage. If there are side effects, talk to your doctor about how to address them,” says Schmidt in the statement.
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