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.
You should watch hbomber vid on vaccines and autism if you are prepared for a bit of rage. It's def not based on any science or any poor understanding
My brain doesn't handle videos very well, what's the summary?
A corrupt doctor did horrible things to vulnerable child patients (e.g. dangerous colonoscopies without proper consent) in order to make a B.S. article claiming the MMR vaccine causes autism, all to help a friend sell an alternative—separate Mumps, Measles, and Rubella vaccines—and make a shitload of money. It backfired, he lost his medical license and accidentally convinced half the U.S. that all vaccines are evil.
And Jenny McCarthy needed a scapegoat for why her child had "Autism."
(Quotes because autism was all I heard, but neurodivergent wasn't in common nomenclature back then...)
But if you go all the way back to the start of this...it's the girl from singled out's fault, she was duped by the horrible doctor too
All vaccine/ autism pseudoscience that saw prominence starting in the 90's based on one fraudulent paper written by a guy who claimed to be a doctor but was just straight up abusing kids to back up his claims and to sell his own product which was just MMR vaccine delivered in three seperate shots. Product developed before fraudulent paper.
I'm aware of that. I am not sure why you told me to watch that video when I was trying to figure out why they chose folinic acid supplements specifically. Because folic acid and folinic acid can really make people with MTHFR deficiency sick, and for some it also worsens their autism symptoms.
Probably because someone already mentioned they have stock in it but uhh, sorry to step on your toes? God