Call Us: 269-430-7966
Call Us: 269-430-7966
LEUCOVORIN AND AUTISM
At Brain Treatment Center Michigan, we build every treatment plan around your child’s unique brain activity and biology. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Our goal is to address the causes of developmental and communication challenges by improving how the brain itself functions.
While some therapies focus only on behavior or medication, our clinic uses advanced, brain-based tools like MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) to gently stimulate and regulate brain activity. In certain cases, we may also integrate nutritional or metabolic support, such as Leucovorin (folinic acid), when the evaluation indicates a cerebral folate deficiency.
Leucovorin is not prescribed for every child and is never offered as a stand-alone service at our clinics.
Our physician may consider it only after reviewing your child’s EEG results, clinical evaluation, and appropriate testing to determine whether folate metabolism may be affecting brain function.
Because Leucovorin is FDA-approved, families should be able to get it as a stand-alone treatment from their child’s regular physician. At Brain Treatment Center Michigan, we may use it as part of our MeRT for Autism program when clinically appropriate.
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for brain development, communication between nerve cells, and overall cognitive function. It plays several key roles in brain health:
When the body can’t properly process or transport folate, often due to MTHFR gene variants or folate receptor antibodies (FRAAs), the brain may not receive the folate it needs. This can contribute to a condition known as cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), which has been linked to difficulties in speech, cognition, and mood regulation.
| Form | Where It Comes From | How the Body Uses It | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Folate (Vitamin B9) |
Naturally found in foods like leafy greens, beans, and citrus |
Must be converted into its active form before use |
General nutrition; most people without metabolic issues |
|
Folic Acid (Synthetic B9) |
Fortified foods and many supplements |
Requires activation by the MTHFR enzyme; less efficient for people with MTHFR variants |
General population; less effective for those with gene changes |
|
Folinic Acid (Leucovorin) |
Prescription or compounded supplement |
Already active; bypasses MTHFR; becomes methylated folate, which the brain can use directly |
Individuals with MTHFR variants or folate receptor antibodies |
Key takeaway: Folate is natural, folic acid is synthetic, and folinic acid (Leucovorin) is a bioavailable form that bypasses the MTHFR gene. Its end product, methylated folate, is the active form the brain relies on for growth and function.
Leucovorin, or folinic acid, is a bioavailable form of folate that the body can use without depending on the MTHFR gene. Once processed, it becomes methylated folate, the same active nutrient already recommended in supplement form (such as L-5-methyl folate).
In our clinic, Leucovorin may be used to complement MeRT therapy by ensuring the brain has the right biochemical foundation to respond effectively. This combination aims to support the pathways involved in communication, learning, and emotional regulation.
Scientific interest in folate metabolism and autism has grown significantly in recent years. Key studies include:
2012 – Molecular Psychiatry Study
Researchers found that a high number of children with autism tested positive for folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs), which block folate from entering the brain. Supplementing with high-dose folinic acid (Leucovorin) helped bypass this block.
2016 – Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Children with autism and language impairment who received Leucovorin showed notable improvements in verbal communication compared to placebo. The strongest results occurred in children who tested positive for FRAAs.
Emerging Studies
Additional research suggests folate-based interventions may also help improve behavior, attention, and irritability in specific subgroups of children.
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a gentle, noninvasive tool that records the brain’s electrical activity. At the Brain Treatment Center Michigan, EEGs are a central part of our approach.
Recent research has revealed a fascinating connection between brainwave patterns and folate metabolism. Scientists have identified a unique 4.5-Hz rhythm in the brain activity of some children with autism spectrum disorder. This rhythm has been strongly associated with MTHFR gene variants (C677T and A1298C), the same genetic differences that can reduce the body’s ability to process folate efficiently.
Key findings from this research include:
These insights mean that a qEEG (quantitative EEG) can do more than map brain activity; it may also help identify which children are most likely to benefit from targeted therapies such as Leucovorin.
By combining this information with MeRT, which helps regulate and synchronize brain function, we can create a truly personalized plan that addresses both the biochemical and functional aspects of brain health.
Every child’s journey at Brain Treatment Center Michigan begins with a qEEG (quantitative EEG) and an Initial Evaluation.
This gentle, noninvasive scan measures brainwave activity and helps us identify patterns that may relate to communication, regulation, and folate metabolism. During the evaluation, our clinician reviews your child’s EEG data, developmental history, and overall health profile to determine the best path forward.
If further test results suggest folate-processing differences, our physician may recommend L-methyl folate, or in select cases, Leucovorin, as part of your child’s customized MeRT program.
MeRT, guided by advanced EEG imaging, uses a magnetic coil to gently stimulate and rebalance brain function.
The process begins with a quantitative EEG (qEEG) to identify areas of brain dysregulation. This test provides a detailed view of the brain’s wave patterns and overall function.
Then, based on this analysis, our doctors and scientists develop a precise neural synchronization protocol for each patient. The goal is to enhance communication within the brain, which can lead to significant clinical improvements.
After the qEEG and analysis, we then perform repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), an FDA-cleared treatment for Depression. TMS works by using gentle magnetic fields, delivered through an electromagnetic coil, to modulate brain activity.
However, MeRT takes rTMS technology a step further by customizing the treatment to each patient’s unique condition, diagnostic findings, and qEEG results. This includes tailoring the frequency, location, and power of the stimulation for optimal results.
Helps ensure the brain receives bioavailable folate, the fuel it needs for healthy development.
Uses gentle, EEG-guided magnetic stimulation to help the brain use that “fuel” efficiently by improving network connectivity.
Together, these two approaches support both the biochemical and functional aspects of brain health, helping children make measurable progress in areas like communication, attention, and emotional balance.
This video features Dr. Richard Frye, a pediatric neurologist who has extensively studied treatments for children with autism. In this interview, he discusses Leucovorin and its use as a potential treatment tool for autism.
Dr. Frye’s insights provide valuable background on why Leucovorin may be beneficial for some individuals with autism, offering a scientific foundation for the approach used at Brain Treatment Center Michigan.
Leucovorin is not a cure and is not right for every child. However, when used appropriately and combined with MeRT, it can play a crucial role in enhancing brain communication and improving developmental outcomes.
The first step is to schedule a qEEG and an Initial Evaluation. This allows us to assess your child’s brain function and determine whether folate-based support, MeRT, or a combination of both may be beneficial.
