New study: No link between autism and mercury

New research may offer a clearer picture on whether mercury plays a major role in causing autism.

Researchers at California’s U.C. Davis say a study shows children with autism do not metabolize mercury differently.

“Children with autism and children with typical development have the same levels of mercury in their blood after we adjusted for variable intake, variable sources like fish consumption,“ explains Dr. Irva Hertz-Picciotto.

The findings are part of an overall study designed to identify autism related factors and their origins. 

Doctors who treat children with autism say the results are important to the medical world, as well as parents.

“The type of damage that we know that mercury does does not result in autism, it results in other issues, but not in autism,“ says pediatric neurologist Dr. Max Wiznitzer.

Mercury is a heavy metal known to cause adverse developmental effects when consumed in excess amounts. 

Fish is a major source of mercury, but doctors say if eaten in moderation, it is an important part of a healthy diet.

Researchers say the results of the study are just one piece of the puzzle of understanding autism. 

While more studies are needed on the effects of mercury, researchers say other minerals and chemicals in the water, air and household products could hold clues to what causes autism.

“We need to cast a very wide net and really look broadly at all sorts of things that are in the environment,“ says Dr. Hertz.

The study is published in the journal “Environmental Health Perspectives.“