Autism Projects: Facebook Water Study


The basic premise of the Brimstone Theory is simple: disturbed metabolism of the oxides of sulfur cause autism. In particular, sulfite is not properly processed resulting in low levels of beneficial sulfate in blood. Avoiding sulfite in food and sulfur dioxide in drugs can help. Also, a diet rich in sulfate may be preventative. Unfortunately, sulfate in our water supply has been reduced by widespread consumption of purified bottled water and the well intentioned cleanup of the environment. The problem is easy to correct by adding sulfate to water or switching to sulfate rich bottled water. But first, we need to prove the theory is correct. That was the goal of our research study which is summarized below from a paper published in the January 2020 edition of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Sulfate Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Autism

Abstract: This is a study of water and beverages consumed during pregnancy by mothers of children with autism. The mothers were recruited on Facebook and materials included vials for water samples and a survey to describe the water and beverages. Samples were tested for sulfate and surveys evaluated for average daily levels. Results were stratified for selected regions of the United States. Areas with the highest rates of autism showed significantly lower levels of sulfate compared to areas with low rates of autism (28% sulfate, n=45, p=0.059). Severe autism was associated with low sulfate levels while mild symptoms were associated with higher levels of sulfate (-0.32 correlation, n=86, p<0.01). The results suggest that sulfate may be helpful in reducing both the incidence and severity of autism.

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect social interaction, communication, behavior and the senses. In the United States, the prevalence is 1 in 59 for all children and 1 in 37 for boys based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cause is not well understood although genetic predisposition coupled with environmental influence is strongly suspected. It is the purpose of this study to evaluate sulfate levels in drinking water and beverages as a risk factor for autism. It is our goal to better understand the causes of autism and illuminate possible preventative measures.

Results in Graphical Form: The results are best visualized with the help of line graphs. Figure 1 plots Tap Water sulfate concentrations for each of the four study regions as a function of autism symptom severity. The data lines are widely separated but unsurprising. The Southwest shows relatively high sulfate simply because it is served by Colorado River water which is naturally high in minerals. The High Prevalence region reports the lowest sulfate values in this study, reaffirming water quality reports from major cities for these states. The Low Prevalence region indicates high sulfate for mild conditions, dropping sharply for more severe autism. While the USA as a whole shows a flat, mid-range plot with little apparent association with symptom severity.

Tap Water Sulfate

Figure 1. Tap Water Sulfate Levels in Selected Regions

Figure 2 plots the sulfate concentrations for the Water Mix actually consumed by the pregnant mothers. This includes tap or well water, filtered and unfiltered, along with a variety of bottled waters. Again, each of the four regions is plotted against autism severity. These curves are surprisingly different from tap water alone. Three of the four regions suggest a trend, hinting that mild symptoms and higher sulfate may be related. High Prevalence is the outlier, more or less flat but on the low end of sulfate.

Water Mixture

Figure 2. Water Mixture Reported by Mothers

The sum of sulfate from Bev & Water is presented in Figure 3. These are the beverages, tap water and bottled waters that were drunk by the participating mothers. In this case, sulfate is not a concentration but the mg weight of the sulfate consumed daily. It was calculated from the number of 8 ounce glasses reported by each mother for various types of beverages and water. As in previous figures, each of the regions is plotted against autism severity. All of the regions now show a monotonic, decreasing function clearly associating severity with lower levels of sulfate.

Beverages and Water

Figure 3. Beverages plus Water Reported by Mothers

Conclusion: Our survey of the drinking water and beverages of mothers of children with autism showed an association between sulfate deficit during pregnancy and autism severity. There was a clear dose versus response relationship suggesting that sulfate during pregnancy may be helpful in reducing the severity of autism. Since the same water was available to the entire family, sulfate during infancy also may be helpful in reducing the severity of the condition. Comparing the 8 states with the highest rate of autism to the lowest, prevalence is reduced by a factor of almost 3 according to Department of Education statistics. Since there is a large difference in the available sulfate in water from these regions, it may be possible to significantly reduce the incidence of autism by supplementing with sulfate rich food and water during pregnancy and early childhood. Based on losses in urine, 510 mg of sulfate per day may be an appropriate goal for pregnant women with an elevated risk of autism. To view the full article, click on the link below.

Sulfate Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Autism



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