Soap, Shampoo, Cosmetics and Over-The-Counter Drugs Trigger Autism In The Womb

Mothers Triggering Autism In The Womb

New research indicates that what expecting mothers bathe with can influence whether or not their children will develop autism.

In a groundbreaking York University study in Toronto Canada, researchers have found that abnormal levels of lipid molecules in the brain can affect the interaction between two key neural pathways in early prenatal brain development, which can trigger autism. And, environmental causes such as exposure to chemicals in some soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and common over-the-counter medication can affect the levels of these lipids, according to the researchers.

"We have found that the abnormal level of a lipid molecule called Prostaglandin E2 in the brain can affect the function of Wnt proteins. It is important because this can change the course of early embryonic development," explained Professor Dorota Crawford.

A wide variety of lipids - including cholesterol, palmitic acid and ceramides - are frequently included in commercial soaps, shampoos and cosmetic formulations.

Additionally, "extracellular stimuli such as immunological and infectious agents, environmental toxins, and exposure to drugs including misoprostol and valproic acid can trigger the local production of PGE2 via specific biosynthetic pathways, resulting in altered cell signal transmission that modulates biological functions" the authors state.

Children with autism are characterized by language developmental problems, social bonding issues and limited imaginations. All suffer from serious communication deficits, and some are mute. They do not establish close relationships with others, and are mentally and emotionally isolated.

In the 21st century, Autism Spectrum Disorders in children are occurring at epidemic proportions in wealthy, developed and industrial countries. The CDC estimates that 1 in 68 children will develop ASD.

"The statistics are alarming. It's 30 per cent higher than the previous estimate of 1 in 88 children, up from only two years earlier. Perhaps we can no longer attribute this rise in autism incidence to better diagnostic tools or awareness of autism," notes Crawford. "It's even more apparent from the recent literature that the environment might have a greater impact on vulnerable genes, particularly in pregnancy. Our study provides some molecular evidence that the environment likely disrupts certain events occurring in early brain development and contributes to autism."

Autism is an industrial disease that is unique to Homo Sapien Sapiens. Other primates do not get autism. Nor did our closest relatives, the Neanderthals or the Devesionains. (See "Why we get autism but our Neanderthal cousins didn't" New Scientist, 17 April 2014)

Why is it that we get autism but other species don't? "Genetics" was the common refrain for most of the 20th century since Leo Kanner of the Johns Hopkins Hospital first used the word autism in its modern sense when he introduced the label "early infantile autism" in 1943.

Early research suggested that genetics could explain over 90% of the causes of autism.  But things are not that simple with autism. They never are.

Current research is focused on the epigenetic (the study of chemical reactions on gene expression) causes of autism, which suggest a strong environmental connection to autism.

According to Crawford, genes don't undergo significant changes in evolution, so even though genetic factors are a main cause, environmental factors such as insufficient dietary supplementations of fatty acids, exposures to infections, various chemicals or drugs can change gene expression and contribute to autism.

Research shows that there are several environmental causes that can affect the heritability of autism that are brought on by direct fetal exposure to industrial chemicals in the womb. Such as the industrial chemicals that are contained in everyday products like commercial soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and over-the-counter medications.

The good news is, all of these causes are entirely avoidable.

Expectant mothers, and those planning pregnancies, can reduce the risks of in utero onset of autism by simply choosing natural soaps and shampoos, and avoiding cosmetics that are known to contain lead (such as lipsticks), over-the-counter medications and certain types of antidepressant drugs