Journal Retracts Study On Leucovorin As Autism Treatment Cited In Federal Policy Announcement

On January 29, 2026, the European Journal of Pediatrics retracted a study evaluating leucovorin (folinic acid) as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder, citing errors in the analysis and concerns regarding the accuracy of the reported results.

The retracted study, Efficacy of Oral Folinic Acid Supplementation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, had been referenced in a September 22, 2025 federal announcement regarding autism policy.

In the retraction notice, the journal editor reported apparent errors in Tables 2 and 3 and concerns with the statistical analyses. A post-publication statistical review was unable . . .