To argue whether mercury and other heavy metals are linked with autism alone is silly.  The larger issue is the overwhelming evidence linking mercury and lead with a whole array of behavioral disorders—suggesting very strongly that autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, violence, and other behavioral abnormalities are all evidence of heavy metal poisoning.  Not a single study actually refutes mercury’s role in causing some cases of autism.  If you read the studies carefully, the researchers are really saying that our knowledge of how heavy metals affect the developing fetus, young child or teen is so much in its infancy we can’t really understand very well how they work.  For example, some researchers say that timing is everything and certain exposures at certain times during pregnancy or infancy could be more important than overall chronic exposure.  We also know that some children are genetically more sensitive to mercury exposures.  In these kids a little mercury is like a lot, they are so sensitive.  There are so many factors that anybody who claims to know definitively whether there is a link is a charlatan masquerading as an expert. 

In the October 2008 issue of the Indian J Med Res. (128;4:383-411) in a comprehensive review of mercury-provoked autism, the authors from The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Silver Spring, Maruland, note, “Emerging evidence supports the theory that some autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may result from a combination of genetic/biochemical susceptibility, specifically a reduced ability to excrete mercury (Hg), and exposure to Hg at critical developmental periods.”

They add that, “a review of molecular mechanisms indicates that Hg exposure can induce death, disorganization and/or damage to selected neurons in the brain similar to that seen in recent ASD brain pathology studies, and this alteration may likely produce the symptoms by which ASDs are diagnosed. Finally, a review of treatments suggests that ASD patients who undergo protocols to reduce Hg and/or its effects show significant clinical improvements in some cases. In conclusion, the overwhelming preponderance of the evidence favours acceptance that Hg exposure is capable of causing some ASDs.”

In a 2009 report in Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars). (69;2:189-97), a prospective study of prenatal mercury exposure from maternal dental amalgams and autism severity was undertaken.  Subjects with the higher amounts of amalgams were 3.2-fold significantly more likely to be diagnosed with severe autism in comparison to those with fewer than five.  “Dental amalgam policies should consider Hg exposure in women before and during the child-bearing age and the possibility of subsequent fetal exposure and adverse outcomes.”

What causes autism? Exploring the environmental contribution.

In the January 16, 2010 issue of Curr Opin Pediatr. Dr. Philip Landrigan of the Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Environmental Health Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, reports that, “Genetic factors—mutations, deletions, and copy number variants—are clearly implicated in causation of autism. However, they account for only a small fraction of cases, and do not easily explain key clinical and epidemiological features. This suggests that early environmental exposures also contribute. T

“Children today are surrounded by thousands of synthetic chemicals. Two hundred of them are neurotoxic in adult humans, and 1000 more in laboratory models. Yet fewer than 20% of high-volume chemicals have been tested for neurodevelopmental toxicity.”

Safe Detoxification Support

PCA-Rx from Maxam Labs is perhaps the most popular detoxification formula for children today.  PCA-Rx is widely used within the autism community because of its ability to address overall toxicity issues.  Studies first reported in Healthy Living show PCA-Rx, a blend of bacterially produced peptides, is adept at enhancing heavy metal excretion.  Indeed, its benefits are wide ranging since it aids in overall detoxification.  It is also gentle and nontoxic and often preferred by parents over harsh drug-oriented detoxification approaches.   

Actually, PCA-Rx is one of three formulas from the same company Maxam Labs, the other being NG-Rx and AF-Rx, that have become strong favorites in the autism community. 

Again, we don’t know enough yet to define the link, but we do know that children seem to improve when they support their health properly—and PCA-Rx is one of those health support formulas that works extremely well.

We were so taken by its ability to help children and adults alike we published New Hope for Autism, a book that brought to life the many amazing health and healing stories surrounding PCA-Rx.  There are many different kinds of chelators to try, but the difference with PCA-Rx is that it uses bacterially produced peptides that have shown detoxifying promise in biological systems.  The company says that unlike chelation therapy, PCA-Rx uses clathration.  Clathration involves a stronger bonding and transport action. 

For preventive purposes, we should all detoxify, but if you really feel the symptoms or your children are suffering autism, ADHD, or other signs of heavy metal toxicity, you need something strong, and that miracle could well be PCA-Rx. 

Resources

PCA-Rx is available at fine health food stores nationwide.  Visit www.maxamlabs.com for more information or to find a store near you.  Call them toll free at 800-800-9119.