Abstract
© 2014 The Author. Iron deficiency affects 40%-50% of pregnancies. Iron is critical for early neurodevelopmental processes that are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder. We examined maternal iron intake in relation to ASD risk in California-born children enrolled in a population-based case-control study Study) from 2003 to 2009 with a diagnosis of ASD or typical development that was clinically confirmed using standardized assessments. Mean maternal daily iron intake was quantified on the basis of frequency, dose, and brands of supplements and cereals consumed each month from 3 months before pregnancy through the end of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, as reported in parental interviews. Mothers of cases were less likely to report taking iron-specific supplements during the index period, and they had a lower mean daily iron intake mg/day) than mothers of controls mg/day; P = 0.03). The highest quintile of iron intake during the index period was associated with reduced ASD risk compared with the lowest, especially during breastfeeding. Low iron intake significantly interacted with advanced maternal age and metabolic conditions; combined exposures were associated with a 5-fold increased ASD risk. Further studies of this link between maternal supplemental iron and ASD are needed to inform ASD prevention strategies.