Medical experts find link between autism and iodine deficiency

By Staff Writer

A leading authority on nutritional and organic health says that iodine deficiency can contribute to autism in children.

According to CoffeeToday.com, the founder of Global Healing Center (GHC) believes there is a link between a lack of iodine and autistic symptoms. Without an adequate supply of iodine, the human thyroid gland is unable to create two hormones, one of which plays a big role in strengthening neural connections in the brain.

The research suggests that iodine supplementation may help reduce the symptoms of autism in children.

The news provider reports that scientific studies have proven that autistic children and their mothers have significantly lower iodine levels than normal. The American Thyroid Association suggests that pregnant women and nursing mothers take daily iodine supplements.

Consumption of dietary iodine has decreased in the U.S. over the past few years, as many food manufacturers have started using cheaper, non-iodized salt in their products.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.