Methylation/MTHFR and Children with Autism

Children with autism are poor methylators and if any mutations are found in the five methylation pathway cycles, then critical immune functions are compromised.  The methylation process requires folate in the brain.  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children have been found to have "Cerebral Folate Deficiency" (CFD) which means an insufficiency of folate in the brain.  If there are defects in the methylation process then speech, language and auditory processing, focus and concentration, social interaction, and reading comprehension can all be affected.  Methylation also repairs DNA, controls homocysteine levels, keeps inflammation in check and recycles key antioxidants.  In addition, methylation increases sulphation for the excretion of heavy metals and elimination of allergies (environmental and immune).  Furthermore, it improves the production of glutathione, which is the master antioxidant that excretes environmental toxins and pathogens out of the body.  All of these functions are important for ASD children.  Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a gene type and 5MTHF (5 methyltetrahydrofolate) is a type of folate that crosses the blood brain barrier (folic acid cannot), so it can help the brain methylate. Families who are susceptible to autoimmune disorders are also associated with the MTHFR genetic mutation.  There are two prime variants called C677T or A1298C and 98% of ASD children have been found to carry one or two copies in one or both of these mutations according to the study Association of MTHFR Gene Variants with Autism (see Community Library).  The C677T variant is usually associated with heart disease and stroke because of the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.  Many ASD children are unable to make this conversion.  The 1298C variant is associated with chronic illnesses and ASD children found to have this variant may have many chronic illnesses.  Labcorp does a blood test to determine both mutations of MTHFR.  Also, Amy Yasko, PhD, ND has done extensive research in methylation and has a Nutrigenomic Test which tests 30 different genetic mutations in the body including the MTHFR.  Many of these genetic mutations have to do with the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, sulphation, and pathways that generate ammonia – all critical issues for ASD children.  Have a physician suggest the appropriate nutritional supplementation to support the methylation process and MTHFR in order to protect your child's body from further toxicity, aid in the excretion of toxicity, and improve daily challenges of the ASD child.