Transfer factor

Transfer factors are small molecules that, in theory, help transfer immune "memory" from a donor to a recipient, potentially enhancing the recipient's immune response to specific pathogens.

Typically derived from bovine colostrum or white blood cells, transfer factors are sometimes marketed as dietary supplements. Some alternative medicine proponents suggest that autism may be linked to immune system dysfunction and that transfer factors might help by modulating the immune response. However, these theories are speculative and not widely accepted in the scientific community. There is very little scientific research directly examining the effectiveness of transfer factors in treating autism. The few studies that do exist are often small, poorly designed, and not peer-reviewed, making their findings unreliable. The safety of transfer factors, especially in children, is not well established. There are concerns about potential allergic reactions, contamination, and immune system overactivation.