Research supports link in autism to mercury.

Byline: Tina Hesman

Dec. 14--Children with autism may process mercury differently than most children, leaving them susceptible to damage from preservatives in vaccines and other sources of the heavy metal, according to a controversial new report released Monday.

The report, by the independent Environmental Working Group, highlights the research of S. Jill James, a professor of biochemistry and pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. James conducted blood tests on 20 children with autism and compared them with blood samples taken from 33 children who do not have autism. She found lower levels of a mercury-detoxifying chemical, called glutathione, in the blood of autistic children.

The enzyme also helps rid the body of other heavy metals that may damage cells and organs.

"Given an equal load of environmental toxicants, these kids wouldn't be able to detoxify it or excrete it as well as the average kid," James said.

James also found that supplementing the autistic children's diets with a combination of…