Toxic Metals as Potential Autism Triggers

While scientists have not yet named a definitive cause of autism, a recently published article suggests toxic metals may be to blame. On the Medical XPress website, the article “Toxic metal pollution linked with development of autism spectrum disorder” summarizes a research article, “Toxic metal(loid)-based pollutants and their possible role in autism spectrum disorder,” published in the October 2018 issue of Environmental Research. [To read the summary article, please click here.]

Based on the belief that inflammation of nerve tissue in the brain causes autism, researchers from Russia, Norway, Bangladesh, Japan, France, Egypt, and Italy investigated the role of toxic metals in this inflammatory process. Under the direction of Professor Anatoly Skalny of RUDN University and Yaroslval State University in Russia, the researchers found evidence of neuroinflammation in the brains as well as toxins in the blood of children with autism.

The researchers determined that three toxic metals—aluminum, lead, and mercury—and one toxic metalloid, arsenic, might potentially cause autism. For example, aluminum impairs the function of glia, the cells that surround and support neurons, or nerve cells. In addition, arsenic interferes with neurotransmitters, the chemical substances that transfer nerve impulses to other nerves, muscles, and organs. The damage these common environmental pollutants can inflict explains neurological symptoms found in autism.

Specifically, the researchers noted three effects toxic metals can have upon the nervous system that may lead to a child developing autism. First, these toxins can trigger neuroinflammation commonly seen in autism in which tissues in the nervous system, particularly the brain, are inflamed. Also, these toxic metals can cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In addition, heavy metals can activate excitotoxicity, in which overstimulation of neurotransmitters can lead to damage or destruction of nerve cells.

If, indeed, children with autism are found to have heavy metal poisoning, the researchers do not recommend the typical treatment to eradicate these toxins. People with acute heavy metal toxicity, such as those with occupational exposure to these toxins, are typically treated with chelation therapy using sulfur-based compounds that bind with the heavy metals to remove them from the body. However, these oral chelators, including DMPS and DMSA, can have negative side effects. Moreover, children with autism are considered to have chronic metal toxicity and may need ongoing treatment to remove the heavy metals from their systems.

Consequently, the researchers advocate a nutritional approach that is both safe and effective. First, they recommend taking supplements of the minerals zinc and selenium, which can chelate heavy metals by binding with them and removing them from the body. Moreover, they suggest taking antioxidant supplements, such as Vitamin C and E, to protect cells from damage by these toxins.

Along with nutritional supplements, the researchers tout the value of a healthy diet to combat the effects of heavy metals. For instance, they promote eating foods that contain phytochemicals, such as flavanoids, which offer protective health benefits. These plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds, provide three key benefits: antioxidant action, immune system stimulation, and inflammation reduction.

In addition to including food with phytochemicals, the researchers also recommend a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. An article on the online site Harvard Health Publishing at Harvard Medical School, “Foods that fight inflammation,” not only lists these healthy foods but also explains the benefits. [To read this article, please click here.] Included among anti-inflammatory foods are tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, and fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

The research regarding the link between toxic metals and autism holds special interest for me because Alex was diagnosed with toxic levels of all four of the heavy metals named in the article: aluminum, lead, mercury, and arsenic. In fact, his doctor told us that he had the highest levels of arsenic she had ever seen. At that time, chelation with oral DMSA was the recommended treatment, and fortunately, Alex did quite well with this therapy. Although the careful and intermittent dosing of DMSA meant two years of chelation therapy, the sulfur-based compound removed these toxins from his system. Moreover, when we tested him ten years later to see if any of the toxins had returned, thankfully, the results indicated that he did not have any heavy metals in his system. Perhaps the nutritional supplements he takes, along with the healthy diet he eats, have protected him from heavy metals accumulating in his system again.

While this research linking heavy metal toxicity to autism is certainly a step in the right direction, scientists need to examine why children with autism cannot properly detoxify environmental pollutants. This research also highlights the need for parents to have their children with autism tested for heavy metal toxicity, which can easily and rather inexpensively be done through blood, hair, urine, or stool testing. For those who have aluminum, lead, mercury, and/or arsenic poisoning, the recommendations provided by the researchers—nutritional supplements and diet—offer simple and safe ways to eradicate toxins as well as to overcome the negative effects of the toxins upon the nervous system. Clearly, healing the nervous system in children with autism is crucial to their health, development, and well-being.

“Stretch out Your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30

Arsenic and Old Toothpaste

One advantage of having a child with autism in the Information Age is the ability for parents to access research easily and to compare notes with other parents in similar situations. Through online support groups, parents of children with autism can share ideas and brainstorm solutions. Last week, an online autism parent group had a discussion regarding tin. One of the mothers had her child tested for metal toxicity, which is common in autism, and discovered that her child has high levels of tin in his system. To prevent further exposure to this toxic metal, she wanted to know what might have caused her child to have tin poisoning.

Her surprise and concern mirrored my own responses when we discovered that Alex had heavy metal toxicity. Although I initially feared mercury poisoning from the preservative thimerosal found in vaccines when we had him tested as a child, his mercury levels were slightly elevated. However, he had the highest levels of arsenic in his system that his doctor had ever seen. Immediately, I began searching for the source of arsenic that may have poisoned Alex.

Some online searching led me to the likely source: chromium copper arsenate (CCA), an arsenic compound used a preservative for outdoor lumber until 2005. The backyard deck we built when Alex was a baby was made with CCA-treated lumber. At the time, we didn’t know that treated lumber contained arsenic. It’s quite likely that after crawling around on the chemically treated deck, he picked up the arsenic on his hands, and his hands likely found their way to his mouth. When we built a new deck, we were certain not to make the same mistake again and made sure the deck was built with lumber that did not contain arsenic. However, we had to address the arsenic already in Alex’s system, and oral chelation therapy with a sulfur-based compound successfully eliminated toxins.

In discussing possible sources of tin poisoning, one of the parents in the group explained that tin is in the air and soil, which makes avoiding it nearly impossible. Another parent offered a suggestion that I had never considered: toothpaste. She explained that stannous fluoride, present in some toothpastes, is a tin compound. Indeed, “stannous” means “of tin with a valence of two.” Immediately, I checked the toothpaste Alex uses regularly, the one recommended by his dentist and provided as a sample every time we have his teeth cleaned. That well-known brand of toothpaste, indeed, contains stannous fluoride.

This was not the first time I discovered that the toothpaste Alex was using contained an ingredient I would prefer he not have in his mouth. A few years ago, I found that the toothpaste he was using contained triclosan. In September 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled that so-called antibacterial soaps containing triclosan could no longer be on the market. [For more information about this ban, please click here.] The FDA determined that these products could not prove scientifically effective in preventing the spread of illness and infection. In addition, the FDA cited safety concerns, specifically bacterial resistance and hormonal effects, in its ban on triclosan. However, the agency permitted continued use of triclosan in hand sanitizer, products used in health care settings, and toothpaste. Why the FDA allowed a substance considered not effective in dealing with bacteria––as well as potentially harmful––to remain in toothpaste is beyond me. Nonetheless, I threw away Alex’s toothpaste containing triclosan.

On its website, the toothpaste company Colgate offers more information about types of fluoride in an article titled, “Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives,” written by Jenny Green. [To read this article, please click here.] In this article, the author notes that the two most common forms of fluoride found in toothpaste are stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride. (I am aware that some people have issues with using fluoride of any kind and avoid it altogether.) Citing research from the Archives of Oral Biology, the author notes that stannous fluoride is most effective at reducing bacteria that forms plaque on teeth. However, stannous fluoride can leave stains on teeth and because it contains tin, can cause a metallic taste. By contrast, sodium fluoride does not leave stains, does not contain metal, tastes better, and can “provide an effective alternative.”

Consequently, I bought Alex a tube of the same toothpaste I use, one that contains sodium fluoride. Not only will he no longer be exposed to tin in his toothpaste twice a day, but I’m also hopeful that removing a metallic taste from his mouth may help improve his appetite. Perhaps his frequent complaint that foods taste bad may be because the stannous fluoride he’s been using has left a bad taste in his mouth. While I’m annoyed I didn’t figure out that stannous fluoride contains tin until a few days ago, I’m determined that Alex will no longer use toothpaste that contains that ingredient any more.

For many people, stannous fluoride probably causes no problems. However, those with autism who have trouble detoxifying heavy metals and other harmful substances should avoid chemicals that could impair their health. While one would think that the Food and Drug Administration would ensure the safety of common products, such as toothpaste, the continued presence of triclosan and stannous fluoride shows that consumers must always read labels and be aware of potentially dangerous chemicals. Parents of children with autism must be especially vigilant because our children are more susceptible to environmental toxins. Moreover, once those dangers are discovered, changes must be made to protect our children. After all, helping our children be as healthy as possible is one of our greatest responsibilities as parents.

“Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.” Proverbs 4:6

Unlucky 13: Aluminum Toxicity in Autism

 

A few days ago, new research published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology showed “shockingly high” levels of aluminum in the brains of teenagers diagnosed with autism. [To read an excellent article from the Children’s Medical Safety Research Institute, who funded this study, please click here.] Compared to previous brain studies of people who did not have autism, those with autism had much higher aluminum levels found in all four lobes of the brain. In fact, the results of this study found “some of the highest values of aluminum yet measured in human brain tissue.”

The author of the study, Dr. Christopher Exley, Professor in Bioinorganic Chemistry at Keele University in England notes the potential impact of high levels of aluminum upon the brain, stating, “…these very high concentrations of a neurotoxin in brain tissue are not going to be benign and will contribute to neurodegeneration in affected tissues.” Dr. Exley, who also published recent research regarding high levels of aluminum in the brains of those who died of Alzheimer’s disease, poses an important question: “One has to wonder why aluminum in the occipital lobe of a 15-year-old boy with autism would be a value that is at least 10 times higher than what might be considered acceptable for an elderly adult?”

So how did the aluminum get into the brain in the first place? This research indicates that inflammatory cells loaded with aluminum cross the blood-brain barrier. A potential source of this aluminum is adjuvants from vaccines. Adjuvants are used to improve the immune response in vaccines, according to information from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia [To read this report, please click here.] CHOP asserts that the maximum amount of aluminum that an infant following the recommended vaccine schedule for the first year would receive is about 4 milligrams, which they assure is a safe level, especially compared to the aluminum they may be also ingesting from breast milk or formula. Although aluminum is a known neurotoxin present in food that apparently cannot be avoided, they, nonetheless, still recommend injecting infants with additional amounts that can end up in their developing brains.

In addition, they also note that aluminum from vaccines enters the bloodstream, whereas aluminum from food enters the intestines, where less than one percent is absorbed into the blood. To reassure parents, they state, “The ability of the body to rapidly eliminate aluminum accounts for its excellent record of safety.” Even though aluminum is present in DPT, Hib, and hepatitis shots routinely given to infants, this should not concern parents, according to CHOP’s position.

But what about those infants whose ability to eliminate toxins from their system has been compromised, as is frequently found in children with autism? Children with autism often have toxic metals in their system that their bodies have not purged. For example, tests revealed that Alex had toxic levels of arsenic, mercury, lead, and aluminum. Since his body could not detox itself, he had to go through chelation therapy in which he took DMSA, sulfur-based pills designed to bond with the toxic metals and remove them from his body. In addition, he took magnesium glycinate supplements to reduce his aluminum load. To prevent further accumulation of aluminum, we don’t cook his food in aluminum pans, and he has used aluminum-free deodorants for many years. (He currently uses Arm and Hammer’s Essentials deodorant with natural deodorizers and no aluminum or parabens.) He regularly takes baths with Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate, to detox his body. Most importantly, he has not received any more vaccines in the past twenty years. Nonetheless, I still wonder how much damage aluminum adjuvants from his childhood vaccines have done to his developing brain. How many children and adults with autism are suffering the ill effects of aluminum poisoning similar to those found in elderly Alzheimer’s patients?

Certainly, more research needs to be done regarding why people with autism may have more aluminum in their brains, the impact this neurotoxin may have upon their behavior and learning, and how to heal their brains. Another report that received very little attention in the mainstream media last week involved the new statistics released by the National Health Center for Health Statistics regarding the prevalence of autism. [To read an outstanding article on this topic, please click here.] In honor of my son who loves numbers and statistics, I offer the following shocking percentages and ratios:

The rate of autism spectrum disorders for 2016 is 2.76%.

That translates into 1 in 36 American children with autism, up from 1 in 45.

Since autism is more prevalent in boys, the rate is 1 in 28 boys born between 2014-2016.

NCHS statistics indicate a 147% increase in children with autism in less than a decade.

Our society is ill-prepared to care for the multitude of children with autism who will become adults with autism. Consequently, more research must be done to find a cure for autism now. Maybe aluminum holds the key to this mystery and needs further investigation, and perhaps the effect of aluminum adjuvants should be considered. I'm not a doctor––just an autism mom looking for ways to help my child heal. However, I do know that God has a divine plan, and I must have faith to wait for the “appointed time” that He has promised.

“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3

Home Testing Kits

As I discussed in my last blog entry, “Haircuts,” learning how to cut Alex’s hair was one of the surprising skills I had to master because of his sensory issues. Another skill I never anticipated having to learn was collecting and preparing samples for laboratory tests for him. Since Alex had problems with yeast overgrowth in his digestive system and heavy metal poisoning, he required regular tests to assess his condition and to monitor the progress of his treatment. Both types of tests required that I learn how to collect his urine and stool samples at home following strict guidelines. As I did with tests as a student, I prepared conscientiously—reading the instructions carefully, highlighting key points with a marker, and studying these directions repeatedly to ensure I knew what I was doing. These tests were somewhat expensive, and our insurance refused to cover the costs. Therefore, I wanted to be certain that the results accurately reflected Alex’s condition. Thankfully, he was always remarkably cooperative when we were doing these collections. Between his interest in medicine and his fascination with numbers, Alex was a willing participant who wanted to see what numerical values and written medical assessments the tests produced when his doctor went over the results with us.

The good thing about these tests was that they did not inflict any pain upon Alex. The organic acids tests that measure yeast and the tests for heavy metals require collecting all urine for six hours. Before Alex was toilet trained, I made him go to the bathroom every half hour to make sure we didn’t miss any urine during the six-hour test. To make the process easier, I bought a specimen collection container commonly known as a nun’s cap from a home health care store. Not only was Alex willing to go in the plastic container, but he found it fascinating to see how much was there each time, noting the markings on the nun’s cap in ounces and cc’s. Moreover, he watched the clock carefully, keeping track of how much time he’d spent doing the test and how much time was left before completion. After each time he was productive, I had to pour his sample into a bright red plastic jug and put it in the refrigerator. Since we usually did this test on the weekend, that jug sat in the refrigerator until I could take it to the doctor’s office on Monday for them to send to the lab. After devoting six hours to each test, I fretted until the sample arrived safely at the doctor’s office because I didn’t want to have to repeat the test if the refrigerator failed to keep it cold enough or if the jug somehow spilled. Once, getting out of the car to deliver a red jug filled with Alex’s urine, I slipped on the pavement, fell down, and dropped the jug. My immediate thought was not for myself but for that jug. Fortunately, I wasn’t hurt, and not a drop was spilled.

While the stool sample tests requires less time in collection, the preparation of these samples requires more effort. The stool sample home collection kit contains a special small jar about the size of a pill bottle that contains preservative. To assist the person who is collecting and preparing the sample, the lab provides one latex glove. I’ve never understood the reason why two gloves weren’t included, but I kept a supply of latex gloves on hand so that I could use both hands. In addition, the kit includes a paper container for collecting the stool that one of my autism mom friends referred to as the “French fry basket” because it looks like the paper trays some restaurants use to serve French fries, complete with a brightly colored red and white checked pattern. At least someone must have had a sense of humor when packing those home testing kits. Once Alex produced the stool sample, then my work began. The test requires that samples be taken randomly from the stool collected, using a tiny plastic fork attached to the lid of the sample container. These samples must be collected until they reach a red line on the container. As if that weren’t unappealing enough, I had to use the plastic fork to mix the stool sample with the preservative in the container. Due to this experience, I found the old saying about the more you stir it, the more it stinks to be definitely true. Nonetheless, I managed to complete the task and prepare the sample to send to the laboratory. After packaging the sample carefully to ensure that it didn’t spill and placing it in a small Styrofoam container with ice packs and sealing that carefully in a special plastic envelope marked, “BIOHAZARD,” I called the overnight courier service to come and pick up the home testing kit. I always wondered if it made them curious and/or nervous about what was in that package. Nonetheless, those packages arrived safely at the lab, and our efforts paid off in accurate test results for Alex. Once Alex was successfully treated for yeast overgrowth and heavy metal toxicity, I was not only thankful that God had healed him of these conditions, but also grateful I didn’t have to prepare any more samples for lab tests.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘…I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.’” Exodus 16:4