Iatrogenic autism

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence is increasing, with current estimates at 1 in 50 school-aged children.
• The exact causes of idiopathic autism remain largely unknown, prompting investigation into environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a hypothesis linking infant formula consumption to the rising incidence of autism.
• To explore the potential impact of infant formula composition on infant brain development and homeostasis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on autism prevalence and infant formula composition.
• Analysis of the osmolality and water content of cow's milk-based infant formulas compared to human breast milk.
• Hypothetical modeling of the effects of increased solute load and reduced free water on infant brain hemodynamics.

Main Results:

• Cow's milk-based infant formulas have a higher molecular weight and osmolality than human breast milk.
• Fortification of infant formula with new substances has led to a displacement of free water.
• Increased osmolality and altered water balance may negatively impact the developing infant brain's homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• Infant formula, particularly cow's milk-based varieties with increased fortification, may be an iatrogenic cause of autism.
• The altered osmolality and reduced free water content in formula could contribute to the observed rise in autism rates.
• Further research is warranted to investigate the direct causal link between infant formula composition and autism development.