US President Donald Trump's recent speech on autism treatment has generated a great deal of controversy and, above all, many questions. Enevia<\/strong>We believe that clear and well-explained scientific information is the best tool for families to make informed decisions about their children's health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his speech, Trump mentioned that a supplement called folinic acid (leucovorin)<\/strong> could cure certain subtypes of autism<\/em>These words have sparked hope in some, but also concern and confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our objective in this article is not to confirm or reject these statements, but explain what we know so far from science<\/strong>: what is the cerebral folate deficiency (CFD)<\/strong>, how it relates to autism, what studies exist on folinic acid, and what steps families can take if they suspect this problem may be affecting their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for neurological development, neurotransmitter production, and the proper functioning of mitochondria, the "energy factories" of our cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some children, even though blood folate levels are normal, folate cannot properly enter the brain<\/strong>, which is known as Brain Folate Deficiency (CFD)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can occur mainly for two reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Various studies have found that Between 47% and 70% of children with autism have positive FR\u03b1 autoantibodies<\/strong>. This means that Nearly one in two children with ASD could be affected<\/strong> for this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A key study published in 2013 by Dr. Richard Frye and colleagues found that these autoantibodies are highly prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)<\/strong>, suggesting that in some cases, DFC could be an underlying cause of certain symptoms, especially those related to language and communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers such as Dr. Richard Frye and Dr. Daniel Rossignol have spent years studying the connection between folate metabolism and autism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a double-blind clinical trial with placebo group<\/strong>, Frye and his team treated children with autism who had language difficulties using folinic acid (leucovorin)<\/strong>, an active form of folate that can cross the blood-brain barrier by other pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The results were very encouraging:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A meta-analysis conducted by Dr. Rossignol confirmed that folinic acid not only improves language, but can also impact social communication and other core symptoms of autism<\/strong>, always in a well-defined subgroup of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This reinforces the idea that autism is not a single condition<\/strong>, but rather a set of distinct biological causes that require personalized approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all children with ASD need to be evaluated for FCD. However, doctors often consider this test when, in addition to an autism diagnosis, the child exhibits any of the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important fact:<\/strong> If the child has positive FR\u03b1 antibodies, There is a high probability that it will respond favorably to treatment with folinate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Folinic acid is a form of folate that can bypass the blockage caused by autoantibodies<\/strong>, reaching the brain and restoring its function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Changes usually appear after several weeks, although some children show improvement sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, leucovorin is well tolerated<\/strong>The most common adverse effects are mild and temporary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These effects are usually improved by adjusting the dose or avoiding nighttime administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A curious but clinically relevant aspect is that The folate protein present in cow's milk resembles the human FR\u03b1 receptor<\/strong>, which can \u201cactivate\u201d the production of autoantibodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, Many specialists recommend removing cow's milk<\/strong> during treatment, which has been shown reduce antibody levels and improve clinical response<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Enevia we believe that Every child with autism is unique<\/strong> and deserves a personalized evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child has autism and any of the signs mentioned, talk to your pediatrician or Make an appointment with Enevia's medical professionals<\/a> <\/strong>on the possibility of evaluating FR\u03b1 autoantibodies. (Take the FRAT test<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A proper diagnosis can open the door to safe and potentially life-changing treatment. Research on CFD shows us that autism has multiple biological causes<\/strong>, and understanding these differences brings us closer to more precise and effective care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And remember, at Enevia we are your health ally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frye, RE, Sequeira, JM, Quadros, EV, James, SJ, & Rossignol, DA (2013). Folate receptor alpha autoantibodies are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research, 6(4), 239-245.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frye, RE, Slattery, J., Delhey, L., Furgerson, B., Strickland, L., Tippett, M., \u2026 & Rossignol, DA (2018). Folinic acid improves verbal communication in children with autism and language impairment: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Molecular Psychiatry, 23(9), 1955-1965.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frye, R.E., & Rossignol, D.A. (2016). Metabolic and mitochondrial abnormalities in autism and their relationship to the gut microbiome. Translational Psychiatry, 6(5), e799.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are some of our other articles in case you're interested:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Presidente](\"https:\/\/test.eneviahealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/envato-labs-image-edit-1-1024x600.png\")
What is brain folate deficiency?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Vitamina](\"https:\/\/test.eneviahealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Vitamina-B9-Folato-1024x426.jpg\")
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<\/strong>These antibodies \u201cblock\u201d the transport of folate to the brain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Alterations in this gene prevent the receptor from functioning correctly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nThe relationship between DFC and autism<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Leucovorin](\"https:\/\/test.eneviahealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Leucovorin-1024x768.jpg\")
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Diagnosis: How to know if your child could benefit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Most commonly used tests:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/test.eneviahealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/FRAT-Test.jpg\")
Treatment with folinic acid (Leucovorin)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recommended dose in clinical studies:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Expected effects:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/test.eneviahealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Ninos-mejorando-gracias-a-Leucovorina.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSide effects and precautions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The role of cow's milk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What science says so far<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Bibliography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n