Study finds 'no evidence of MMR jab link to autism'

Published on Monday 17 March 2008 22:28

A NEW study has found no evidence to support the theory that the MMR vaccination damages the intestine and in turn causes autism.

Researchers examined the so-called "leaky gut" theory, which suggests that vaccines such as MMR can damage the wall of the intestine.

This creates digestive problems which lead to the production of peptides, which can damage the brain and possibly cause autism, according to the theory.

The latest study, from researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital and Edinburgh University, found that children with autism do not produce higher levels of peptides, which are detectable in their urine.

Researchers examined 65 boys aged five to 11 with autism and 158 boys aged four to 11 without autism, who were acting as controls.

The experts found "no significant differences" between the two groups when it came to their levels of peptides.

They said their findings back up earlier studies and claimed theirs was the first to compare properly children with autism with a control group.

The study was published in the journal Archives of Diseases in Childhood.