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| Scientists Uncover Link Between Autism and ADHD and a Common Plastic Additive |
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children has surged in recent decades, and a recent study suggests that the widespread plastic additive bisphenol A (BPA) might be a contributing factor.
BPA is a commonly used component in various plastics and plastic manufacturing processes, and it can also be found in the linings of food and beverage cans. However, previous research has linked BPA to hormonal disruptions, including breast cancer and infertility.
In this latest study, conducted by researchers from Rowan University and Rutgers University in the United States, three groups of children were examined: 66 with autism, 46 with ADHD, and 37 neurotypical children. The focus of their investigation was the process of glucuronidation, which is how the body eliminates toxins from the blood through urine.
The study revealed that children with ASD and ADHD had a reduced capacity to clear BPA and a similar compound known as Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) from their systems compared to their neurotypical counterparts. This diminished detoxification ability could result in prolonged exposure to the harmful effects of these chemicals.
The researchers noted, "Detoxification of these two plasticizers is compromised in children with ASD and ADHD, consequently exposing their tissues to higher levels of these substances."
Significantly, this difference was most pronounced with BPA, showing an efficiency reduction of approximately 11 percent for children with ASD and 17 percent for children with ADHD compared to the control group.
The researchers theorize that genetic mutations in certain individuals may impede the effective clearance of BPA from the body, allowing it to accumulate. This accumulation could potentially lead to damage in terms of neural development and function.
ASD and ADHD are believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and this study sheds light on the intersection of both. However, it's worth noting that not all children with neurodevelopmental disorders exhibited difficulties in eliminating BPA, indicating the presence of other contributing factors.
Research is ongoing to pinpoint when and how ASD and ADHD manifest in the body. It is unclear whether BPA exposure directly causes these disorders, as the current data doesn't provide definitive evidence for causation.
The researchers emphasized, "There is an extensive body of epidemiological evidence for a relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders and environmental pollutants such as plasticizers. How significant plasticizer-induced neurodevelopmental disorders are in the overall prevalence of these conditions remains uncertain, but it is likely to contribute significantly, as indicated by our findings in this moderate-sized metabolic study."
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