Young boys whose moms were exposed to chemicals known as phthalates while pregnant may face an increased risk for developing behaviors associated with autism, a new study warns.
per se among boys, but rather a"small" increase in the chance for developing certain autism-related traits by age 3 or 4. These include social impairment, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests, said study lead author Youssef Oulhote. This elevated risk was not seen in girls.supplements while pregnant offer protection against this risk, said Oulhote, an assistant professor of biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
For the study, the researchers reviewed data on roughly 2,000 women across 10 Canadian cities between 2008 and 2011. All were in theirUrine samples from the women were analyzed for 11 phthalate compounds. Researchers also asked about folic acid intake. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all women of childbearing age take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent some major defects of the brain.
The hormonal system"is quite different between boys and girls," Oulhote said."So we do expect that these chemicals would have differential effects by sex." So what are expectant mothers to do? Oulhote suggested that in general,"everyone should try to lower their fragrance and cosmetics use, avoid plastic food packaging when possible, and especially not warm food in plastic packaging."
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