The U.S. government has supported an unfamiliar medication as a potential remedy for autism symptoms, which medical experts argue lacks substantial proof. During a White House briefing, Dr. Marty Makary, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, stated that leucovorin could benefit “hundreds of thousands” of children with autism.
The FDA has announced the inclusion of leucovorin, a form of folate vitamin, as a treatment option for patients with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), a neurological disorder. This listing marks the initial phase towards potentially approving leucovorin for some individuals with autism in the United States.
Folate, a B vitamin present in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits, is essential for human health. Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate found in vitamin supplements and fortified grains, plays a crucial role in the normal development of a fetus’s brain, spine, and skull.
Leucovorin, akin to folic acid, is recognized for its use in mitigating the adverse effects of methotrexate, a cancer medication, in Canada. This drug is also employed in combination with another cancer treatment for colon cancer. The FDA has approved leucovorin tablets for individuals with cerebral folate deficiency, citing studies indicating improved verbal communication. Although some U.S. doctors were already using the drug off-label.
There is speculation that leucovorin may aid children with autism who possess a receptor impeding folate from entering the brain. However, the efficacy of leucovorin in treating autism remains inconclusive, with Sura Alwan, a birth defects specialist, emphasizing the need for further research before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Studies involving a small group of children with autism who received leucovorin showed improvements in symptom severity, although these findings require validation in larger populations. Dawn Bowdish, an immunology researcher, highlighted the necessity for comprehensive research to ascertain the safety and effectiveness of leucovorin as an autism treatment.
In conclusion, while leucovorin shows promise in addressing autism symptoms, additional rigorous studies are imperative to establish its efficacy and safety before widespread adoption as a treatment option.
