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Lack of Correlation Between Metallic Elements Analyzed in Hair by ICP-MS and Autism

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Abstract

A cross-sectional case–control study was carried out to evaluate the concentrations of metallic elements in the hair of 44 children with diagnosis of autism and 61 age-balanced controls. Unadjusted comparisons showed higher concentrations of molybdenum, lithium and selenium in autistic children. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the role of risk factor for male gender and showed a slight association with molybdenum concentrations. Unconventional chelation and vitamin-mineral supplementation were ineffective on elemental hair concentrations. A meta-analysis including the present and previous similar studies excluded any association of autism with hair concentrations of mercury, cadmium, selenium, lithium and copper. A slight association was found for lead only, but it was very weak, as strictly dependent on the worst data from one study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental and Applied Medicine, Section of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy

    Giuseppe De Palma, Simona Catalani & Pietro Apostoli

  2. Child Neuro-Psychiatry and Developmental Age’s Psychology Department, Public Health, Via Salvo d’Acquisto 7, 37122, Verona, Italy

    Anna Franco & Maurizio Brighenti

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  1. Giuseppe De Palma
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  2. Simona Catalani
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  4. Maurizio Brighenti
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Correspondence to Giuseppe De Palma.

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De Palma, G., Catalani, S., Franco, A. et al. Lack of Correlation Between Metallic Elements Analyzed in Hair by ICP-MS and Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 342–353 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1245-6

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