FRAAs as Protective Adaptations
What if these antibodies are helping, not hurting?
The Paradox
Folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAAs) are found in 60-75% of children with autism. The standard interpretation: the antibodies block folate, causing deficiency and neurological damage.
But if FRAAs were purely harmful, why would they be so common? Evolution tends to eliminate things that only cause damage. Unless they're doing something useful.
The Surprising Finding
A study of 94 children with autism found that those with blocking FRAAs (which directly prevent folate binding) showed:
Better antioxidant status (p=0.003)
Reduced 3-chlorotyrosine (p=0.03)
Improved behavioral scores
Better social responsiveness
Children with blocking FRAAs were better off despite reduced folate transport.
The Theory: Strategic Slowdown
FRAAs may represent the body's strategic attempt to regulate methylation during environmental stress. When the system is overloaded with toxins, slowing folate uptake might prevent the formation of more dangerous methylated compounds.
Consider mercury: methylmercury is far more neurotoxic than inorganic mercury. If a child has high mercury exposure, reducing methylation capacity could prevent the body from converting mercury into its more dangerous form.
The antibodies aren't attacking the body. They're protecting it from what high methylation would do in a toxic environment.
Two Types, Different Outcomes
Blocking FRAAs
Directly prevent folate from binding to receptors. Reduce folate transport.
- Better glutathione status
- Lower inflammation
- Less severe symptoms
- Potentially protective
Binding FRAAs
Trigger inflammation at the receptor. Cause immune activation.
- Higher serum B12 (impaired uptake)
- Worse redox profiles
- More severe symptoms
- Likely pathological
Before trying to eliminate FRAAs or bypass them with high-dose folinic acid, consider: what is the body protecting itself from?
Addressing the underlying toxic burden might make the protective mechanism unnecessary, rather than forcing a system that's trying to help.