Heavy Metals, Poisons and Deficiencies Are Causing Autism Epidemic

By Dr. Mercola About 1 in 68 U.S. children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), up from 1 in 150 in 2000.1 This rising trend isn't only occurring in the U.S., however, as autism rates have increased rapidly worldwide, taking a heavy toll on families and economies alike. While certain genetic mutations have been linked to autism, they're thought to be involved in less than one-third of cases.2 The other major cause of autism is thought to be environmental in nature, with exposure to toxins and nutrient deficiencies among the possible culprits. "The rapid increase in numbers during [the] last few decades supports a major role in environmental factors over genetic causes alone. The other possibility is that the environmental factors may be contributing to activate the genetic or epigenetic mechanisms of development of autism," researchers wrote in the Journal of Heavy Metal Toxicity and Diseases.3 Some experts believe autism development starts in the womb, with environ
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