Aluminum Adjuvants May Cause Autism

by | Apr 12, 2016 | 2011, Autism, Heavy Metals, Infant and Children's Health, Vaccines

Written by Joyce Smith, BS. This study shows a significant correlation between the increased use of vaccines containing aluminum adjuvants and an increase in autism in preschool children from Western countries.

Adjuvants are compounds that are used in vaccines to increase the immune response. In many Western countries, 4-6 year old children will have already received 23-32 vaccines 1, many of which contain aluminum adjuvants. Vaccines may cause autoimmunity and impaired brain function 2 3 when given to newborns because their underdeveloped brains are more permeable to neurotoxins such as aluminum. 4

Our United States Food and Drug Administration continues to view vaccines as safe, even though their vaccine safety assessments neglected to include appropriate toxicity studies. 5 From the 1970’s to 2010, the preschool-recommended vaccines, of which 18 contained aluminum, increased in number from 10 to 32. During this same time, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increased by 2000 %. 6 While these facts are compelling, the role of vaccines as a potential cause of ASD remains controversial.

Autism spectrum disorder presents with a variety of symptoms that include impaired social and verbal communication skills, and behavioral and cognitive dysfunction. 7 Although much of the etiology of ASD still remains unknown, research is pointing to the development of autoimmune antibodies that attack brain cells. 8 9

Researchers investigated pediatric vaccination schedules from various Western countries. By using Hill’s criteria for establishing causality between exposure and outcome 10, they were able to determine that aluminum (Al) in the vaccine adjuvant may be contributing to the increase in ASD in vaccinated children.

Results:

  • Due to their lower body weight, children reach a higher level of Al exposure per kg of body weight compared to adults: (73.5 – 172.5 micrograms of mercury per kg of body weight for children) versus (7.1 micrograms of mercury per kg of body weight for adults).
  • Increase in Al-adjuvanted vaccines in the yearly vaccination schedules from 1991-2008 significantly correlates with the increase in ASD prevalence in the US over that time. (Pearson r=0.92, p<0.0001 with 95% Cl=0.79-0.97)
  • A significant correlation exists between the amounts of Al-adjuvant vaccines administered to preschool children and the current prevalence of ASD in seven Western countries, particularly at 3-4 months of age at which exposure to Al is at a peak. (Pearson r= 0.89 -0.94, p=0.0018-0.0248).
  • ASD prevalence in these countries also significantly correlates with the number of Al-adjuvant vaccines given at 3-18 months of age (Pearson r=0.89-0.94, p=0.0018-0.0368)

While a case-control follow-up study examining vaccination records and testing for Al in hair, urine, and blood of autistic children and those in a control group is recommended, the researcher’s data show that aluminum adjuvants in vaccines may be linked to autism.

Source: Tomljenovic, Lucija, and Christopher A. Shaw. “Do aluminum vaccine adjuvants contribute to the rising prevalence of autism?.” Journal of inorganic biochemistry 105.11 (2011): 1489-1499.

© 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Posted December 31, 2016.

References:

  1. Control CfD, Prevention. Child & Adolescent Immunization Schedules for persons aged 0-6 years, 7-18 years, and” catch-up schedule” and Past Childhood Immunization Schedules. 2010.
  2. Hewitson L, Houser LA, Stott C, et al. Delayed acquisition of neonatal reflexes in newborn primates receiving a thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccine: influence of gestational age and birth weight. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A. 2010;73(19):1298-1313.
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