Cord Blood Acylcarnitine Profile and Risk of ADHD and Autism in Childhood: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study

This prospective study examined whether acylcarnitine levels in cord blood—metabolites reflecting mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism—predict childhood ADHD and autism risk in 995 children. Higher short-chain and long-chain acylcarnitines were associated with significantly increased odds of ADHD and autism, suggesting early metabolic biomarkers may identify neurodevelopmental risk.