this post was submitted on 22 Sep 2025
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I think this is based on poor understanding of genetics. A lot of neurodivergent people have mutations in a gene (MTHFR) that deals with processing folate, but that doesn't mean they have reduced folate by itself. But, taking folic acid if you have decreased ability to process it can actually cause health problems. I'm not sure what the difference is for folinic acid, but this just all sounds very pharma-bro and unscientific to me
I did an undergrad report on MTHFR in regards to how smoking reduces folate levels which can lead to birth defects in babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. Did not know about the neurodivergence connection! Might give that avenue a read
Here's a review that I really enjoyed. I like this review because it really breaks down why autism is unlikely to have a one-for-all cure, and it's possible there will be a further classification system and renaming of ASD in the future.
This is an interesting study that touches on two specific MTHFR mutations that increase the risk profile of ASD.
If I had more time this evening I would hunt down the study I was originally thinking of, I'm fairly certain I found it by searching the rs# of one of those mutations, but it was a while ago.