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Children of chemically intolerant mothers at greater risk for ADHD, autism
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Mothers with chemical intolerance are more likely to give birth to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder, according to a recent study.
“Chemical intolerance affects an estimated 10% to 30% of the U.S. population and occurs worldwide across a range of demographic groups and ages,” Lynne P. Heilbrun, MPH, of the department of family and community medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and colleagues wrote. “Our results suggest that mothers with chemical intolerance are more likely to have children with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD than mothers without chemical intolerance.”
In a case-control study, the researchers formed groups with mothers of children born with autism spectrum disorder (n = 282) or ADHD (n = 258) and mothers of children with neither disorder (n = 154). All mothers were screened for chemical intolerance using an online version of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, the most sensitive and specific tool used for chemical intolerance evaluation, the researchers wrote.
Results showed that mothers with chemical intolerance were more likely to report having a child with ASD (OR = 3.01; 95% CI, 1.5-6.02) or a child with ADHD (OR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.12-5.04).
The researchers also said mothers with chemical intolerance were more likely to report having a child with allergies (P < .02), particular taste in food (P < .003) and higher odor sensitivity (P < .04). They suggested that chemical intolerance in mothers portends similar intolerances in their children, due to toxin exposure in utero or after birth.
“We are dealing with a public health emergency with the increase in neurodevelopmental disorders, however, and it is incumbent on us to take appropriate preventive steps,” Heilbrun and colleagues wrote. – by David Costill
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial
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