Is it true that cosmetic chemicals increase the risk of a fetus with autism?

Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain and nerves that affects a person's ability to think and behave. Until now, the cause of autism is not known with certainty. However, researchers believe there are a variety of factors that increase the risk of autism, one of which is the chemicals in cosmetics. Is that right? Come on, understand more deeply in the following review.

The reason cosmetic chemicals can increase the risk of autism

Recent studies published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectivesfound a linkage of chemicals, namely phthalates in beauty products with autism.

A total of 2001 first trimester pregnant women with an average age of 33 years were observed the levels of phthalates in their urine. All of these pregnant women are participants in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC), a long-term study group that focuses on pregnancy in Canada.

The process of observing cosmetic chemicals with autism was carried out for 3 years, from 2008 to 2011.

Researchers then conducted further assessments on 610 children born when they were 3 to 4 years old. This assessment uses the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2), which is a score for measuring the nature of autism and social disorders.

If the scale results show a high number, it is a sign that the child has more characteristics that lead to autism disorders.

Then, researchers compared the concentration of phthalates in the urine of pregnant women with the child's SRS score. The results showed that high levels of cosmetic chemicals were associated with increasing autism assessment scores in children.

However, this effect was seen only in boys. In addition, the effect is quite low in pregnant women who consume enough folic acid, which is 400 micrograms during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Researchers think that endocrine disruption is the cause. Exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy can interfere with the performance of the endocrine, which is the gland control system that produces hormones that are circulated throughout the body.

Despite showing such results, this study still has some drawbacks so that further observations.

Efforts to prevent autism due to exposure to cosmetic chemicals

With these findings, expectant mothers to be careful in choosing daily products. Not only cosmetics, phthalates are also found in soap, shampoo, or nail polish.

Phthalates are usually added to products to allow substances to absorb and enter the skin more quickly. Therefore, look for products that are labeled phthalates-free.

Even if a baby has been born, you should minimize your child's exposure to this chemical, especially to toys and baby bottles. In these objects, phthalates serve to make plastic more flexible and difficult to destroy.

These chemicals in cosmetics not only have the potential to increase the risk of autism, but also have a negative impact on the development of children's language and motor skills.

In addition, in order for the fetus to avoid autism and other health problems, pregnant women need to meet the recommended intake of folic acid, which is 400 mcg per day. This folate intake must be fulfilled before pregnancy and the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

You can get folic acid from supplements and foods, such as avocados, tomatoes, nuts, and red meat. Don't forget, do your pregnancy checks regularly to monitor the health and development of the fetus.