HOUSTON -- A nutrient added to the American diet is doing a great job protecting our kids against certain birth defects. But there's now growing debate about whether folic acid may have some other consequences, and not all of them are good, Local 2 reported Friday.

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Some scientists are looking at whether folic acid could increase rates of autism, although it's still speculation at this point.

Researchers said the nutrient has the capability to influence genes, possibly making some children more susceptible to disease.

From flour to cornmeal, pancakes and cereal, all grain products in your grocery store are fortified with folic acid -- from 10 percent to 30 percent, and in some cases, even 100 percent.

"There are a lot of foods that manufacturers are choosing to add higher amounts of folic acid than is required by the Food and Drug Administration," said Dr. Kim Waller, an epidemiologist with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Fortification started on Jan. 1, 1998, the same time that rates of autism started to increase.

"The main purpose of fortification is to reach people who do not eat a lot of fruits and vegetables," Waller said.

It was implemented to prevent serious birth defects like spina bifida. Waller said it is working.

"The estimated rate of decline in spina bifida are 20 to 30 percent," Waller said.

Waller said the amount of folic acid we're getting from enriched foods -- bread, cereal, pasta, flour -- is only a quarter of what we would get from a daily vitamin. Yet pregnant women are told to take four times more. The question is -- could it be too much?

"Some of these are from autism families where there's changes in chromosomes," said Dr. Art Beaudet, from the Baylor College of Medicine.

Beaudet is taking a different approach at looking at the problem.

"We've been exploring the idea that a large portion of autism may involve epigenetic changes rather than genetic changes," Beaudet said.

Epigenetics are subtle changes in DNA sequencing. Think of it as a sudden variation of font in a series of letters.

Beaudet said folic acid plays a role in the chemical modification of DNA.

"There are some data in mice and in humans that folic acid intake can alter epigenetic information to some extent," Beaudet said.

It possibly can set the stage for autism.

"We've been interested in whether any kind of nutrient issue could be at the root of this supposed increase in incidence of autism," Beaudet said.

Although much more research is needed, now that fortification is in place, it may be difficult to determine if it's causing any problems. One thing is clear -- birth defects are down.

"We, by no means, want women to stop taking prenatal supplements. They're very important. They provide a lot of things besides folic acid," Waller said.

Again, there is no evidence that folic acid or any other nutrient causes autism. Scientists say much more research is needed.

For more information on autism, including treatment therapies and insurance strategies, visit the following Web sites.

Autism Research Institute
Autism Society of America
Texas Autism Advocacy
Natural Health Solutions Dr. Arturo M. Volpe
Coverage For Certain Benefits For Children: TX Art. 21.53F. Sec. 9
www.walknow.org: Information on a 5K walk on Nov. 20 that is raising money to fight autism.