The recent proclamation from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump regarding a supposed connection between autism and pregnant women using acetaminophen has faced significant backlash from the scientific community. This announcement coincided with RFK Jr.’s claim that the Food and Drug Administration would soon sanction a new autism treatment involving leucovorin, a form of folate. Concerns are mounting over the validity of both claims, particularly as evidence supporting leucovorin's efficacy for autism remains tenuous.
Leucovorin, also known as folinic acid, serves various functions, including aiding in red blood cell production and fetal development. Historically, it has been used to mitigate the adverse effects of certain chemotherapy agents and to treat cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), a rare condition leading to neurological issues due to low brain folate levels. Symptoms of CFD typically manifest around the age of two, stemming from defective antibodies or rare genetic mutations.
Experts like pediatric neurologist Audrey Brumback have raised alarms about the implications of widespread use of leucovorin for autism treatment, citing potential side effects and negative outcomes for individuals and families affected by the condition. As the administration’s stance on autism treatment evolves, the concerns of health professionals continue to mount.